Bob New, the prop forward who never let the side down

Mr New, a long-standing fixture secretary and prop forward for Harbury RFC’s third and fourth teams and pitch marker for 20 years, has died aged 72 following a short illness.

The former engineer enjoyed a second career as a teacher at Southam High School and schools in Solihull, and a range of interests including singing, history, architecture, politics, gardening, genealogy, cars and a late blooming love of cycling.

Jerry Birkbeck, who knew Mr New for 30 years, said: “Bob was a fascinating character. He always enjoyed a chat over a pint or two and much could be written about his legendary conversations with friends as he displayed an immense knowledge about a huge range of matters.”

Mr New was born in a farming community in Worcestershire and studied mechanical engineering at Aston University in the late 1950s. He worked at several companies in the Black Country before deciding at 38 to become a teacher, with his first job at Southam High School teaching maths.

Mr Birkbeck said: “He often chuckled as he recalled finishing work on a Friday and then commencing his new career the following Monday. His style had to be suddenly switched as he changed the colourful language used by his colleagues on the factory floor for a more moderate and caring approach with teenage pupils.”

Mr New joined Harbury RFC with several other teachers, who played a key role in developing the club’s 3rd and 4th teams.

Mr New was fixture secretary for 11 years between 1981 and 1992. Retiring from playing aged 50, he took on the role of pitch marking, and was known as ‘the phantom’ as, although he was rarely seen doing the job, it was always finished before match day.

He was also a singer and performed for many local societies and choirs, including the Kenilworth Consort, the Spa Opera Company and the Leamington and Warwick Opera Company.

Mr Birkbeck added: “It was typical of Bob, and his determination to never let anyone down, that even when he went into hospital he took with him the score and script for a production of Fiddler on the Roof.

“He was a man who was keen to look after the interests of those less fortunate than himself and was a strong union man, particularly in the education world.

“He was kind, supportive and always willing to help and work with others in his own inimitable laid back style. ‘Bob New – a real gentleman’ was often said of him. How true that is.”

Mr New leaves his wife Sylvia, daughters Mary and Elizabeth and three grandchildren, Ally, Tommy and Jamie.