Former England international Andy Ripley has passed away aged 62 following a long battle with prostate cancer.
Back-rower was ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Charity
Former England international Andy Ripley has passed away aged 62 following a long battle with prostate cancer.
The back row, who did not take up rugby until he was 19, won his first in 1972, a month after his 24th birthday, in a 12-3 defeat to Wales at Twickenham.
Over the next four years he went on to win 24 caps for England, scoring two tries, and was a member of the triumphant 1974 Lions tour to South Africa.
That same year he scored the winning try as England beat Wales at Twickenham for the first time in 14 years.
The hard-running number eight, who played at Rosslyn Park for his entire club career, was a brilliant all-round athlete, competing in the 400m at the UK athletics Championship, and was world veteran indoor rowing champion.
Ambassador
Away from sport, Ripley was an accountant by profession but became best known in recent years for his work as an ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Charity.
Diagnosed with the disease in 2005, he appeared to have recovered by 2007 only for the cancer to return a year later.
In May he was awarded the Rugby Players' Association Blyth Spirit Award, given to members who show outstanding courage in the face of adversity.
And just last week it was revealed he had been named as the recipient of an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
"Andy Ripley was an incredible man," said John Neate, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity.
"He had a huge heart and his generosity and kindness knew no bounds. His work as a Prostate Cancer Charity ambassador was immeasurable.
"Andy's personality and humour touched the hearts of everyone he met, who heard him speak and who read his words.
"He will never be forgotten and his unstinting support for this charity has undoubtedly saved the lives of men across the UK."
