DURSLEY RFC have paid their respects to former player, captain and chairman Stuart Freeman who died overnight on January 23 and 24.

Both Dursley and opponents Brockworth stood for a minute’s silence at Dursley’s Stinchcombe home ground to remember a man who played a huge role in the club’s development over the decades.

Current chairman Simon Bilous said: “Stuart was chairman in the 1990s during times of development and change at the club.

“The mini and youth sections were formed in 1993 when he was chairman and Stuart was influential in allowing this to happen.”

Stuart, 64, was also a hands-on chairman and club member. Bilous recalled: “He used to turn up on Saturdays with a bag of faggots because everyone wanted faggots and peas after the match.”

Stuart’s funeral takes place today (Thursday) at Lower Cam Church, beginning at 12.45pm, with many current and ex-players expected to attend. There is a private family service at Gloucester Crematorium to follow.