I first met Robbie when driving him to a 3rd Xv game at Yatton in 2004. From the outset it was clear that Robbie was unique character. His commitment to OBs over the coming years both on and off the field was second to none. From his 110% commitment on field as a hard hitting back row forward to his no handed pudding eating that has become a club tradition. Robbie will always be remembered as a club legend.

Robbie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2007. During his illness he always thought he could beat it and showed great determination and bravery. He was an inspiration to all who knew him whether at work or on the rugby pitch. He loved turning out for Old Bs and immersed himself in the club where he was most respected. From his 110% commitment on field as a hard hitting back row forward to his no handed pudding eating that has become a club tradition ever since made Robbie a club legend. Quite often having given everything on the pitch on a Saturday, he would go hard into the night before turning out to coach our newly formed junior section on Sunday morning then moving on to perform amazing dance moves as Brizzley Bear at the memorial stadium in the afternoon.

During his illness and his treatment he became aware of the suffering of children and families suffering the same illness. To his credit and despite his illness he started fundraising for Clic Sargent (now known as Young Lives V Cancer). The first event was a very successful dodgeball tournament which took place not long after he died in November 2008. It was a great shock that this strong fun-loving and fit man was not with us. In his memory his OBs mates started fundraising organising matches, auctions and taking on many challenges as a tribute to Robbie. This is still going on today some 17 years later.

Robbie is commemorated at every club dinner with no handed eating of any dessert, and the awarding of the Robbie Stuart Man of Steel Trophy.

Iain , Robbie’s elder brother was a rock during his illness They were very close sharing a flat in Westbury on Trym and they were both affected at seeing young kids going through cancer treatment. Iain organised a gruelling bike ride from Geneva to Nice.

Iain was ultra fit, a very good 800m runner, a rower , a triathlete and cyclist. He loved outdoors and touched everyone he met whether in competition, socially or work.

Unbelievably he was diagnosed with non-treatable Renal cancer in 2020.Although he had limited time he made the most of it and if you did not know you would have thought he was a fit cheerful man. He never complained at the hand he had been dealt. He travelled and took up new challenges when his body let him down. He fished, painted, and laughed. Always kept his sense of humour.

Iain always supported Young Lives V Cancer and decided to leave a legacy to Clic on his death as a tribute to his brother.

Sadly he died in April 2024.

To date Old Bs Rugby, Godfathers Rugby & Iain's legacy have raised over £370000, a truly remarkable figure.

I firmly believe that Robbie's strength in the face of adversity helped pull together a number of players that have driven the club in the last 20 years. Long may this last!

Rich Berry
President