We will come together as a club and community to celebrate the life of Eric Birch - a true Leek rugby legend who served the club as player, captain and president, and whose influence and support spanned seven decades at the club.

Eric’s funeral will take place at Trinity Church, Derby Street, Leek on Thursday 2 April at 12:30pm, followed by a gathering at Leek RUFC, St Edward’s Park, where friends, family and the rugby community are warmly invited to share memories and celebrate his remarkable life.

The family have requested no flowers, but donations would be greatly appreciated for Royal Stoke University Hospital Haematology Department or The Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

To assist with arrangements we ask that anyone from the rugby community planning on returning to the club after the service please contact Mark Hardern on 07539 336299 by Friday 27 March.