Community rugby clubs are built around people who love the game of rugby. The Richmond Heavies Foundation was inspired by three amazing guys – Stephen Fairn, Ian Williams and Stewart Barlow. They will forever be in our hearts.
STEPHEN FAIRN
Stephen ‘Bosch’ Fairn died suddenly aged 51 in March 2018 from a heart attack. He was a devoted husband to Becca; dad to his amazing children Theo, Max and Ruby; brother to Nicky, Tim and Martin and much-loved son of Sue.
He was a Richmond youth coach, involved in both his boys age groups. The energy, good humour and enthusiasm he brought to everything he touched was infectious, and he was incredibly popular with all who knew him across all sections of the club.
Dedicated to rugby, he played at school, Chinnor RFC, Coventry Poly, England Students, Coventry FC, Rosslyn Park and finally at Richmond Heavies. A playing career cut short at 51 that spanned fully 45 years.
He was the 43rd Heavies skipper and undertook the role with the same gusto, stupidity, integrity and commitment he lived his life.
IAN WILLIAMS
Ian Williams collapsed and died suddenly in February 2018 from a heart attack while training at Doncaster Knights. He was 27. Ian is the son of club stalwarts Phil ‘Tonka’ Williams and Pippa, and “little” brother to Helen.
The Williams family have been very much a part of the Richmond fabric since his father, Phil first joined the club in 1972. Born in Chichester, Ian went to Sherborne School and played mini rugby at Havant RFC and youth rugby at London Welsh before joining the Richmond Under 21s.
A talented tight head prop, Ian played in, and toured with, Richmond’s 1st XV and the Heavies whilst at Swansea University, where he played in 3 Welsh Varsity matches. Ian also played in 3 Varsity matches for Oxford University.
STEWART BARLOW
Stewart ‘Bosher’ Barlow died after a long battle with cancer aged 43 in April 2018. Stewart was a devoted husband to Charlotte and father to baby Samuel.
Fun loving, adventure seeking, Bosher enjoyed life to the full. His parents, Stewart and Liz, supported him throughout his career at Richmond and continue to be firm fixtures at Richmond Rugby matches both at home and away.
Stewart joined Richmond in the mid-1990s, a talented open-side flanker whose fearless big tackling style soon earned him his nickname. He became an invaluable part of the Development squad and when Richmond turned professional in the late 90s, in recognition of his quality as a player, he was integrated into the professional squad.
He made 165 appearances for the 1st XV between 1999 and 2008. He was made a club Vice President in recognition of his service to the club.
