National League Rugby is deeply saddened to learn that former Bury St Edmunds forwards coach and loyal volunteer Mark Williams has passed away.

Mark was the epitome of a true rugby man and was a pillar of his club. He was typical of the unselfish volunteers without whom most of our clubs would struggle to survive.

Mark joined the now National Two East outfit in 1994 as 1st XV forwards coach before linking up with Suffolk, where he helped assemble ‘an all-conquering’ side against Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

He then moved into a more administrative and managerial role at Bury St Edmunds and as the 1st XV made their way into the National Leagues, the demands and support they required increased. However, for Mark, nothing was ever too much. He always put the club first.

Whether it was travel, kit, procedures, regulations, accommodation, governing body directives, player registrations, pitches, opponent communications and ‘most importantly… match day sweeties’, Mark was on hand to deliver.

Reading the tribute posted on Bury St Edmunds’ website, it is clear how fondly Mark was thought of by everyone at the club and his commitment and dedication will never be forgotten.

He was an immensely popular figure across the National Leagues and it is safe to say he had many friends at various clubs across the country. He was a real clubman and will be dearly missed by all.

Our thoughts at National League Rugby are with Mark’s partner, Lorna, his sister, Deb and his children, Ruaraidh, Megan, and Calum as well as everyone connected to Bury St Edmunds.