He made his only appearance in the last England international before the outbreak of World War Two, playing scrum-half in the 9-6 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on March 18, 1939.

A classics teacher who taught at Fettes College, Rossall, Scarborough Boys’ High School and Pocklington School, he was born on October 28, 1912 in Rothwell near Leeds. He played club rugby for Wakefield, playing five times for Yorkshire in 1938 and representing England the following year.

He also played five times for the Barbarians and leaves a widow Joy and sons David and Richard.

A service to commemorate his life will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Steyning, West Sussex on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 11.30am.