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Former England rugby captain and Lions star dies aged 87 as tributes pour in

A former England rugby star has handed away on the age of 87.

Former British & Irish Lions rugby star Richard Sharp OBE has died on the age of 87 (Picture: Getty) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra

Former England rugby captain Richard Sharp OBE has died on the age of 87. The ex-fly-half handed away on Monday.

Sharp was born in India in 1938 however grew up in England and went to highschool in Devon. He then attended Balliol School, Oxford, earlier than starting his membership rugby profession with Redruth in Cornwall. And he even made a reputation for himself in cricket as he performed for Cornwall within the Minor Counties Championship between 1957 and 1970.

Following his spell with Redruth, Sharp featured for Wasps and Bristol, and was additionally referred to as as much as signify the Barbarians and the Royal Navy.

He made his England debut in 1960 and went on to win 14 caps for his nation over a seven-year interval.

The previous No.10 quickly earned the England captaincy and led his nation to 5 Nations success in 1963. Throughout that title-winning marketing campaign, England secured their first victory in Cardiff towards Wales for nearly 30 years.

The gifted participant even crossed the whitewash with an excellent solo effort in that conflict as he raced practically 40 metres earlier than grounding the ball.

Former rugby star Richard Sharp OBE performed 14 occasions for England (Picture: Getty)

A yr earlier than that 5 Nations glory, Sharp starred for the British & Irish Lions throughout their Tour of South Africa as he scored 45 factors in 11 outings.

He appeared in two Take a look at matches throughout that Tour, with South Africa successful the collection 3-0.

Sharp spent his time selling sport throughout the south west following his retirement and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire within the 1986 New 12 months Honours.

His loss of life was introduced by Redruth, who wrote in an announcement: “It’s with profound unhappiness that we announce the passing of Richard Sharp on Monday, third November 2025.

“Richard performed for Redruth, Wasps, Bristol, Royal Navy, Oxford College, Cornwall, Barbarians, England and British Lions. He additionally captained England. Our ideas are with Richard’s household.”

England Rugby posted on social media: “Our deepest condolences exit to the household and mates of former England captain, Richard Sharp OBE.”

And the British & Irish Lions despatched their “honest condolences to all of Sharp’s household and mates.”

In the meantime, Cornwall RFU chairman Steve Murley mentioned: “Richard can be remembered not merely for the tries scored, the caps gained, or the Excursions undertaken, however for the individual he was – quietly assured, respectfully modest, unwavering in his assist for Cornwall and his sporting communities.

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“His passing can be mourned by his household, his many mates in Cornish and English sport, and all who valued not solely his athletic abilities however his character.

“Our ideas and condolences exit to his household and to the communities – rugby, cricket, Cornwall – that he enriched so deeply.”

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