Burgess Hill pay tribute to life member Mark Stenning

Chairman Neil Upton lead the tributes on the club’s website.

He said: “On behalf of everyone at Burgess Hill Rugby Club I pass on our thoughts and condolences to Michelle, Ashton and Shannon and Mark’s other relatives and friends in these sad times.

“Next week’s matches shall have a minutes silence for us all to remember Mark and the contribution he made to our Club.

“Mark, as a previous Chair of our Youth and Minis teams, a life member, a massive Club man, a player and a friend, you are gone but not forgotten.”

Sam David, who was coached by Mark as a junior, wrote this: “Rugby is not just a game.

The final result never has meant everything and eventually, we all sadly learn that not every result can go our way. Through loss, Team mates become family, strangers become friends and our bond grows stronger. Rugby is not just a game. With every shirt that’s worn, boot lace tied and bone broken we thank the people that introduced us to the greatest sport to grace this Earth. With every boat race won, hangover nursed and fitness session endured we honour the selfless people that not only dedicated their time to share their passion with us but also inspired us to achieve greater.

“Each time we dig that little bit deeper, run that little bit harder and fight through the pain we do so because at some stage in our careers certain people have been there to teach us that we could. Rugby is not just a game. Results do not solely define the strength of a team. BHRFC are not just a club. Our blood is, was and forever will be black.”