RUGBY UNION: Leading referee Toft dies aged 79 (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY UNION: Leading referee Toft dies aged 79

12:20pm Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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Brian Toft, a leading figure in the Oxfordshire Referees Society for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 79.

Born and raised on the Wirral, he played as a flanker for Sale before joining the Liverpool Society of Rugby Football Referees, finishing up in as an A List referee.

On moving to Haddenham, near Thame in 1969, he joined the Oxfordshire Society of Rugby Football Referees where he remained an active member until his death.

During his 41 years association with Oxfordshire, he moved from refereeing to becoming a national panel advisor.

In addition to his touchline activities, he found time to coach and mentor referees and other advisors throughout the south-west region.

In 2004 he chaired Oxfordshire RFU's governance and discipline committee.

Two years later, his contribution to rugby was recognised when he won Oxfordshire Sports Partnership volunteer-of-the-year award He saw that as one of his proudest moments.

Colin Baldwin, chairman of the Oxfordshire RFU, said: “Many of the players still playing the game and hundreds of those that have stopped playing, will remember him with warm affection.

“The Oxfordshire Committee members and I will definitely miss his dry sense of humour.”

The funeral service for Mr Toft, who leaves a widow, Grace, a daughter and two grandchildren, will be held at Christchurch, Upper High Street, Thame tomorrow (2.30pm).