We regret to announce the passing of Dr. Noel Atkinson, who died last week.

Noel joined the club as a hooker whilst still a medical student and took over as captain of the 1st XV during season 1956/57 and continued in the role the following year. He became the club’s Secretary for two years in 1965 and was President from 1972-1974. He was actively involved in the organisation of social events in the late 1960s, helping to raise considerable amounts for club funds and was instrumental in arranging the building of new changing rooms around that time. In the 1960s through to the 1980s, when replacements were not permitted in a game, he is well-remembered as the ‘club doctor’, when he would carry out running repairs to players so as to enable them to continue playing in a game. He was also involved with Lancashire County RFU, where he was the Honorary Doctor for many years, a role he also undertook for England on a few tours, and served as President of the County in 1990/91.

Our thoughts are with his wife Maggie and the rest of the family at this time. His funeral will be held at Southern Cemetery on Monday July 11th at 12 noon.