Tributes flood in for rugby player lost to leukemia

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 28-year-old amateur Bristol rugby player, who lived and breathed the sport.

Robbie Stuart, who was the mascot at the Memorial Stadium for a time for Bristol RFC, passed away at the city’s Royal Infirmary on Saturday evening having contracted pneumonia, after a brave year-long battle against leukaemia.

A hugely popular man who loved rugby, Robbie led by example, steering the Old Bristolians second team to arguably their best-ever season in 2006-07 when finishing runners-up in the Merit League to Bristol Saracens.

He was Bristol’s mascot, the break-dancing Brizzley Bear, and regularly had the crowds at the Memorial Stadium in stitches with his dance moves.

Former Bristol captain and current player Matt Salter said: “When Robbie was going through his chemotherapy he was not allowed outdoors, but he said he wanted to stay active. So we popped round with one of the club’s rowing machines.

“I spoke to him two weeks ago and he said he was feeling a lot better and we could have the rower back.

“He was back to his old chirpy self. He was really upbeat and looking forward to getting back on track.

“But for this to happen is very sad. I was speaking about this to the guys at Bristol yesterday. It brings everything home as he was a young man and someone of similar age to ourselves. It is heart-wrenching.”

Old Bristolians president Rich Berry said: “Robbie was a true clubman and will leave a massive hole for us to fill.

“I know he would not want us to be sad for his death, but to celebrate that he was here at all.

“Robbie will be honoured by the club, but for now our thoughts are with his family.”

Robbie went to Colston’s Collegiate School before studying at Cardiff University and becoming an accountant with Constellation Europe.

Alongside his brother Iain, 30, he organised Bristol’s first-ever fancy dress dodge ball tournament in the summer, raising thousands of pounds for cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

There will be a minute’s silence before all Old Bristolians matches on Saturday and other tributes will include a club award dedicated to his memory.

Bristolians first-team captain Dan Evans said: “Robbie showed a passion for rugby and for life that the rest of us can only aspire to get anywhere near. He will forever be in our memories as a true club legend.”

Robbie’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 19 (2pm) at Canford Park Cemetery, Westbury, but he has requested no “sombre suits or black ties – fancy dress optional.”

There is a request for no flowers but charitable donations via: www.justgiving.com/robbiestuart1