RIP Bill Oddie: The forgotten rugby career of Britain's beloved wildlife presenter

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.

Long before becoming a household name, Oddie was an accomplished rugby player. Standing at just 5ft 4in and weighing around 10 stone, he defied the odds as a fly-half, relishing the challenge of taking on opponents much larger than himself.

"I enjoyed controlling a game," he once explained. "I wanted to see whether I could outmanoeuvre bigger men, especially flankers, on muddy afternoons. To see them go slithering past was always a thrill. I wanted to humiliate them in a nice kind of way."

He admitted he started his rugby journey at hooker before deciding life was "far safer in the backs."

Oddie captained King Edward's School in Birmingham, where he was coached by former England international Peter Robbins. He also drew inspiration from former Coventry wing Peter Jackson and enjoyed success in school sevens, including victories over Moseley.

His rugby career continued at Pembroke College, Cambridge, although he found breaking into the famous university side almost impossible.

At the time, Cambridge boasted extraordinary strength, with future internationals throughout the squad, including Scotland captain Gordon Waddell.

"They could literally field two international XVs," Oddie recalled to The Telegraph. "I didn't have much of a chance."

Although his playing days eventually came to an end, his passion for rugby never faded.

He became an avid television supporter, happily spending Saturdays birdwatching and gardening before settling down to watch whatever rugby was available.

"Thank you for Sky Sports," he said. "I'll watch whatever is on: Super 12, Tri-Nations, Zurich Premiership, England, you name it."

Among his favourite players were Welsh greats Cliff Morgan, Barry John and Phil Bennett, while Jeremy Guscott was his favourite modern player.

"It's always astounded me how he could play so well and look half asleep."

One of Oddie's greatest rugby memories came during the British & Irish Lions' famous 1997 tour of South Africa.

While filming in the remote Shetland Islands, he and his producer searched desperately for somewhere showing the second Test.

After eventually finding a hotel with the right television channel, they watched one of the most memorable afternoons in Lions history.

His one wish for the sport was simple.

"That it must never rain during a big match. I would always vote that the Millennium Stadium roof is closed... I want to see good, entertaining rugby."

Bill Oddie's legacy extends far beyond rugby, but his lifelong affection for the game is another reminder of the warmth, curiosity and enthusiasm that defined his remarkable life.

Everyone at RUCK sends their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Bill's loved ones. Rest in peace, Bill.