To younger players and members, Joe was one of those odd looking people who congregated around the central pillar in the middle of the bar known to the cognoscenti (and a few others) as “Colin’s Column.” To an earlier generation, it was as important as “Don’s Den” was to the founding fathers of the Old Boys.

Fuelled by Guinness in industrial quantities, the pole boys had an answer for everything. They had played at a higher level, bemoaned the falling standards of sportsmanship, could solve knotty selection dilemmas better than “the committee” and were willing to advise young pups on where they were going wrong.

A pivotal member of this “Brain’s Trust,” Joe was also blessed with a sharp intelligence, a wry sense of humour and an unerring radar for cant, hypocrisy and and self-aggrandisement. A warm, humorous and generous individual, Joe would suggest rather than cajole, would listen rather than challenge, would applaud rather than criticise and was genuinely interested in the person behind the rugby player who he watched on a weekly basis. Literate and articulate, he was equally at home discussing Shakespeare or the fourth team.

An accomplished after-dinner speaker, Joe brought an urbane charm to hosting club dinners and his astute analyses of our players and other clubs will live long in the memory.

A good friend and true family man, Joe will be remembered with much admiration and affection for his courteous, whimsical and positive approach to life.

Sincere condolences go to Margaret, Joanne and Justine at this desperately sad time.