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Celebration Of Life Held In Memory Of Ventnor Rugby Club Legend Emile Rouby

The life of a legendary Isle of Wight sports figure has been celebrated at the home of the rugby club he helped to build.

Emile Rouby was a founding-father and beloved member of Ventnor Rugby Football Club over the course of six different decades.

He passed away at the age of 76 on January 30 this year.

More than 100 people attended a ceremony on Tuesday (April 4) — on what would have been Emile's 77th birthday — to share memories and respects during an afternoon organised by long-time friend Liz Morris.

Celebrant Elaine Cesar delivered the eulogy, with additional tributes from Tony Flower, Ed Blake, Stuart Cain, Adam Pratt and Biz and Maggie Burrows.


The front row Emile played alongside in 1974 (L to R): Neil Holness, Bob Freer and Micky Buttler.

James Morton, Club Secretary, said:

"It was so good to see so many of Emile’s teammates from that first Ventnor squad back in ‘74.

"Thanks to what Emile and his mates did back in 1974, plus the legacy he has left to the club, there’s more than an even chance there’ll be rugby at Watcombe for another fifty years!"

Those wishing pay tribute to the wonderful legacy of Emile are asked to send a contribution to Mountbatten — a local charity close to his heart.

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