WADHAM Franklin, the first president of Oxford Harlequins, has died aged 75.

An Oxford Marathons stalwart, Mr Franklin was made Quins president after they merged with Oxford Old Boys in 1996.

A Quins statement said: “Wadham was a true ‘Rugby Man’ and was instrumental in the formation of the Club that we have today. He will be sadly missed.

“Our sympathy goes to his wife and family at this time.”

Mr Franklin’s funeral will take place at St Giles’ Church, Horspath on Thursday, October 17 (11.30am).