ROY HARRIS – RIP
12th December 1933 – 1st November 2025
Portsmouth RFC are sorry to announce the passing of their oldest club member Roy Harris. The word legend is used far too often these days, but Roy definitely was one and will be missed by his many friends and family.
Roy played scrum half for England Schools U15’s, Redruth, Plymouth Albion, Cornwall and Portsmouth! He also played cricket for Cornwall and Havant Cricket Club.
Before moving to Portsmouth in 1961 Roy’s last game for Redruth was partnering Richard Sharp the England fly half.
To no surprise Roy captained Portsmouth RFC in 1962/63 and continued playing into his 40’s, before becoming the first club coach in 1979. He was also heavily involved in Hampshire RFU, acting as Coaching Co-ordinator for a number of years.
Roy loved Portsmouth RFC and dedicated his life to the club for over 60 years. His children Jane and Mark would like to thank everyone for all their kind words and tributes, which they have received.
A minutes applause to celebrate Roy’s life will take place on Saturday 8th November before the 1st XV game against Eastleigh 2.30pm KO.
The funeral will take place at Portchester Crematorium on Friday 21st November 2025 at 10.00am. All are welcome to celebrate Roy’s life afterwards at Portsmouth RFC.
Members please wear club blazers.
Nigel Morgan
President Portsmouth RFC
Ken Reilly
Click on the link below for The News tribute to KR.
Ken Reilly’s funeral will be held at St Thomas’s Cathedral, Old Portsmouth at 10 a.m on 10 December, the wake will follow at Portsmouth Rugby Club. Dress code is black for ladies and club blazers for gentlemen. Family flowers only.
Kens Just Giving page can be found here for donations www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/128655
Farewell Ken Reilly – ‘a true Portsmouth RFC legend, a great family man and a good bloke!’
Kevin Ricketts
It is with great sadness we have to report the death of former club man and referee Kevin Ricketts after a long illness.
Kevin was a greatly respected and much loved member of PRFC, he was a fine referee not just in Hampshire but he reached the very top of the tree as a First Class ref, the equivalent of the Premiership today. Born in Newport, Wales he settled down south and taught for many years at Priory School before retirement. Kevin for many years wrote weekly match reports for the Portsmouth News sports pages covering local rugby, cricket and football. His coverage of our club was always a little more partisan than other local clubs which showed his great affection for PRFC. As an appreciation of his life and love of the club there will be a minutes silence before the games on Saturday and Sunday.
Kevin leaves his wife Ann and sons Christopher and David, we extend our deepest condolences to all the family and friends of such a fine man.
Dr. Richard Tyrrell
We’re extremely sad to announce the untimely passing of Dr Richard Tyrrell! Dr Dick was a stalwart of the club and will be missed by everyone 💛
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and all the family 🖤
Carol Moulding – RIP
It is with great sadness that Portsmouth Rugby Club inform you of the death of Carol Moulding, wife of Derek Moulding who played for us in the 70’s and early 80’s, who died this morning after a long illnes
Dr John Owen – RIP
Dr John Owen – RIP
It is with sadness that Portsmouth Rugby Club announce the death of Dr John Owen in the early hours of Saturday 14th January 2023
John joined the Club in the 1950’s, after moving down from the Midlands, and worked as a General practitioner in Southsea until his retirement.
He captained the club and the County in the 1958-59 season
Here is an article John wrote in the Centenary Year Book in 1986
