He was a fearless tighthead prop hewn from Cornish granite who played for the Saints with distinction from the late 1980s through to the turn of the millennium. Gilby was the life and soul of many a post-match celebration or commiseration, depending on the result, and many of his capers have etched themselves into the Club’s myth and legend.

Behind his tough on-field demeanour, Gilby shielded a caring side, and it was no surprise that he retrained to work in mental healthcare support. He moved up-country and carried on his rugby playing career with Woking RFC in Surrey.

On his return to Cornwall, Gilby became an integral part in the Spartans where he took on the role as the wise Uncle looking after the youngsters and some of the not-so-young in the squad. His slightly eccentric outlook on life made him loved by all and the fact that he cycled from Bodmin to St Austell for every game and training session just added to the mystic surrounding Gilby.

The CRFU have kindly agreed to hold a minute of silence before the start of the Duchy Shield Final on Saturday 10th May at Falmouth RFC (KO 13:30). It is hoped that Gilby’s brother Alastair will be able to join the team wearing his No3 Spartans shirt in memory of a teammate and a true legend of St Austell RFC.

Gilby’s loss will be felt keenly across his family, friends and the entire Saints Family. Our thoughts are with those closest to him at this incredibly difficult time.