Emile Rouby has sadly passed away
It’s my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Emile Rouby yesterday in The Mountbatten Hospice.
I don’t think I’m overexaggerating when I suggest that, without Roub, there may well not have been a Ventnor Rugby Club as we know it.
He was a founding father and was the force behind establishing our first clubhouse under the Central Hotel. He also captained Ventnor for a couple of seasons in the mid-seventies. I was privileged to play alongside him on many occasions.
Actually, that’s not quite accurate since when I say ‘alongside’ since he was always the first to go in where the action was hottest! It was also his inspiration and hard work that forged the link with Bollene Rugby Club, thus creating memories that will outlive us all – blood-brothers, fire-engines et al!!
Having hung up his boots, he continued to support the club with generous sponsorship.
As well as a great rugby player, he was also a marvellous raconteur.
I remember an occasion when we had invited John Taylor (of Wales and Lions legend) to be our guest speaker at a dinner-dance.
Roub hopped onto the stage and sat down next to John and did a full Michael Parkinson routine with him that brought the house down!
He will be sorely missed.
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Club Secretary, Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317