It is with great sadness that the club is reporting the death of Tony Phillips after a short illness on Friday 23rd August, having lived with almost total paralysis for four years following a fall.
He played his first senior rugby at Newport before joining London Welsh where he played flanker. In his most successful season he played hooker in the winning side at the Middlesex Sevens, won the County Championship with Surrey, was part of the side which won the Anglo-Welsh title and received his club colours. He was also captain at Streatham and Croydon.
After his playing days came to an end he served London Welsh as a coach, selector and technical adviser.
Tony then joined Ampthill in the late 1970’s. After a few pints in the clubhouse with Slim he was appointed first team coach, a role he held for many years.
Tony was very popular with the players and the standard of rugby at Ampthill improved in leaps and bounds. He then became Director of Rugby for three years along with other roles and the club won the East Midlands Cup in 1996 against our old foes Kettering. He served as Chairman of the club in 1999-2000.
Tony was an immense character who had an infectious personality which was shown in his enthusiasm and dedication to coaching teams throughout the club in the 80’s and 90’s.
Tony’s rugby knowledge was second to none which was conveyed on the field or propping up the bar on Thursday nights.
Everyone who knew Tony well will never forget his dulcet tones ringing out over Dillingham Park telling referees where they had gone wrong!
Tony had an enormous influence on the development of the club both on and off the field.
He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Details of his funeral will be published when known.
