Three former England internationals passed away last month, in William Philip Cathcart Davies, Noel Estcourt and Clive van Ryneveld.
Davies, or Phil (main image) as he was more commonly known, passed away on 25 January. He earned eight caps in five years between 1953 and 1958.
A headmaster who also served with the RAF, he was born in Abberley, Worcestershire, and was educated at Denstone College and St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. He played for Cambridge University, Evesham, Cheltenham, Harlequins, Sussex, North Midlands, the RAF and was part of both the 1953 Championship winning side and Eric Evans’ 1957 Grand Slam team. He also played for the British & Irish Lions.
Estcourt, who played in the same 1955 England team as Phil that beat Scotland 9-6, was awarded a single cap, and died in Devon on 7 January, aged 89.
England centre van Ryneveld died on 29 January. He played in all four matches of the 1949 Five Nations, scoring three tries, one against Ireland and two in England’s 19-3 victory over Scotland.