It is with deep regret that the Club announces the sad passing of Tony Short, a former 1st XV captain, last week due to cancer, he passed away on 19th October 2025 in Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, writes Alan Foulger.

Tony joined the Club at the end of the 1950's, before a 10 year career in the Met Police took him away from the Club. He returned in the early 70's to help run the family building business and rejoined the Club, skippering the 1st XV in 1977/78 season before retiring from playing.

Tony continued to support the Club for many years and was instrumental, using his building expertise in the rebuilding of the badly damaged old Pavilion clubhouse following the great storm of October 1987.

Whilst at the Club, Tony introduced his two sons Ben and Cameron to rugby while the Mini/Youth section was in its infancy and was also involved with the club's twinning with Royan for nearly 50 years.

Our thoughts and condolences go his wife, Frances, sons Ben and Cameron and the rest of the family.

RIP Tony.

Details of Tony's funeral arrangements will be posted when known.