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Derek Watkins

Derek Watkins

Samantha Jones9 Jan - 13:46

1933 - 2025

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Derek Watkins.

Derek arrived at the Casuals in the 1945-46 season as a player. In his first ever game for the club against Wellingborough he travelled as a reserve but on finding out that Wellingborough were short on numbers played for Wellingborough against Casuals. Derek went on to play for the Casuals until he was called to do National Service and it was during this period he played most of his senior rugby. He played for East Anglia Combined Services, Aldershot and Colchester Garrison Teams, Colchester Ravens. He was then drafted to Malta where he played for the Army, Malta Services and the Overseas Club.

On his return from Service in 1957 he was elected Club Secretary where he remained for the next 7 years. While playing in 1958 at Kingsthorpe Derek broke his neck but made such a remarkable recovery that he was back playing 1st team rugby the following season.

Derek was one of the original Trustees who were instrumental in Casuals coming to Rushmills, he along with six other Trustees all guaranteed the purchase of Rushmills with their family homes. Derek served as a Trustee for 35 years, including as Chairman of Trustees and Club President. Derek was also a driving force in the creation of the badge that we still wear today.

In later years Derek served on the Executive Committee of the East Midlands and was President during the years 2007-2009. He also sat on a committee at the RFU where he mentored future leaders of grassroots rugby clubs. Not satisfied with this list of achievements he was also involved with East Midlands Referee Society.

Derek was our longest serving club member and in thanks for his years of commitment to the club he was made an Honorary Life Member.

Our thoughts are with Derek’s family.

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