Richard Sharp: Rugby Legend and Former Cricketer Passes Away at the Age of 87
- The rugby and cricket communities have lost another great player as former England international Richard Sharp dies at the age of 87
- Sharp contributed positively to both sports but would be remembered mostly for his time with the England national team
- CRFU Chair Steve Murley joined others to pay tribute to the former England captain's family on social media
The Rugby and Cricket communities have been thrown into mourning following the announcement of the passing of Richard Sharp, OBE
Source: Getty Images
On September 9, 1938, the English rugby icon was born in Bengaluru, which was previously known as Bangalore in India, but spent his childhood in the Southwest of England after returning to the United Kingdom.
He had his formal education in the UK, attending Montpelier School and Blundell’s School in Devon. He later attended Balliol College, Oxford. At Balliol, Sharp earned three rugby Blues from 1958 to 1961. He began his club career at Redruth in Cornwall, representing the county side 28 times between 1957 and 1966. He later had stints with Wasps and Bristol, and also played for the Barbarians and the Royal Navy.
Sharp's death is followed by the recent passing of South African rugby player Sive Tshaka and former rugby referee Max Baise, who died at the age of 93.
CRFU Chair paid tribute to Sharp
In addition to rugby, Sharp showcased his sporting versatility by representing Cornwall in the Minor Counties Cricket Championship from 1957 to 1970. His contributions to the sport reflected the same competitive spirit that defined his rugby career.
Interestingly, Sharp also left a mark on popular culture by inspiring the name of Bernard Cornwell’s fictional hero, Richard Sharpe, who was famously portrayed by Sean Bean in the acclaimed television series.
CRFU Chair Steve Murley paid tribute to Richard Sharp, describing him as a man who will be remembered not only for his remarkable sporting achievements, the tries he scored, the caps he earned, and the tours he undertook, but for the kind of person he was.
Murley highlighted Sharp’s quiet confidence, modesty, and unwavering dedication to Cornwall and its sports communities. He added that Sharp’s passing will be deeply mourned by his family, his many friends in both Cornish and English sport, and all those who admired him for his integrity as well as his talent. Murley extended heartfelt condolences to Sharp’s loved ones and the communities, rugby, cricket, and Cornwall, that he had enriched throughout his life.
Sharp's international career, facing the Springboks
Sharp’s international career with England lasted seven years, during which he made 14 appearances and was awarded the captaincy of his country.
Source: Getty Images
According to reports, he also featured in two British and Irish Lions Tests during the 1962 tour to South Africa, where he made a notable impact by scoring 45 points across 11 matches. Remarkably, the talented fly-half began and ended that campaign with a try, cementing his reputation as a key playmaker on the tour.
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Source: Briefly News
