Cheltenham Rugby Club are very sad to announce that one of their favourite sons has died.

Phil Davies passed away yesterday at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford at the age of 89.

“Phil Davies was a huge figure in the history of Cheltenham Rugby Club, a true gentleman who will be sadly missed,” said club historian John Woodward.

WPC Davies, as he was known throughout rugby, joined Cheltenham RFC in 1950 while at Cambridge University when the Town had a formidable fixture list.

He played under captain Tom Price, the England international, and alongside other noted players such as Don Harvey (Glos), AP de Nobriga (Cambridge Blue), Johnny Walker from New Zealand, FJ Steinhobel (South Africa) and Illtyd Pearce (Cheltenham Grammar School sports master).

“At the end of his first season with Cheltenham, Phil was contacted by Harlequins RFC where he partnered Jeff Butterfield to provide one of the finest ever pair of centres in the English game,” said Woodward.

“He won 11 caps for England and was selected to tour with the British Lions in 1955, where he partnered Butterfield in a series the Lions drew 2-2.

“While headmaster at Cheltenham College Junior School, Phil became president of the Town club from 1972 to 1985, overseeing the club’s move from the Athletic Ground to the Prince of Wales Stadium.

“During his tenure as president, Phil steered the club through difficult times.

“As an active life member, he took a big interest in recent developments at Newlands Park – the club’s home these days – supporting the acquisition of an artificial grass pitch and modern changing rooms.

“The club will mark his passing with a minute’s silence prior to the second team’s home match against Matson 2nds tomorrow and then again the following week when the first team host Yatton.”

Woodward added that a service of remembrance will be held in Cheltenham on a date yet to be confirmed.

WPC Davies was living at his daughter Judy Clarke’s home in Prestbury before he died.

Former Cheltenham player Phil Blakeway also represented the British Lions in South Africa, in 1980.