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Rob Hill - Legend

Rob Hill - Legend

Lucy O Donnell13 May 2016 - 15:47
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https://www.chinnor-rfc.com/ne

Club pays tribute to retiring coach

The success of the Colts both in numbers playing and the number of victories is due to Rob's continuing dedication and enthusiasm for the task which rubs off on others
- Doug Humphries, Chairman

After over 15 years of service to the club playing, representing England Deaf team and coaching the next generation of Chinnor rugby club, it is time for Rob Hill to hang up his coaching boots. Taking the boys through to Colts and seeing them become South West Champions and u17 National semi-finalists, and recently seeing 4 of them make 1st XV debuts was an appropriate time for Rob to call it a day. Chinnor RFC gives Rob a whole hearted Thank You to him for all he has done.

Rob is the epitome of the volunteer spirit, giving his time, dedication and experience so freely and seeking out no praise in return. His love of the game, the team and his want to give something back to the club is magnificent and to which we all are truly thankful.

The best fitting tributes come from those closest to Rob in the game, from the people whom he’s made a real impact on and who want to say a personal thank you.

Rob, on behalf of the entire club a huge thank you. Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing you in and around the club, especially when Arthur starts the minis. Maybe you’ll have that yearning to do it all again….

Doug Humphries – Chairman
“I played rugby with a Rob a few years ago and found him to be a really enthusiastic and competitive forward with a great sense of humour. If he was being penalised he would say to me half way through the match, " Tell the ref that I am deaf so I cannot hear his warnings or instructions!" (I would reply, "Pardon?") This often worked with Rob getting the appropriate sympathy from the ref. This was in the days before we had the pre scrummaging instruction of 'Crouch, Engage, Set' etc.

Then, of course Rob went on to represent the 'Deaf England' XV along with club mates Tony Wilkinson and Matt Woodward. I believe his International shirt is in the place of honour in the Members Bar - if not, why not!!!

Although Rob has played a few games for the Vets in the last couple of years, his main impact has been as a lead part of the Colts coaching team for the last 5 years. The success of the Colts both in numbers playing and the number of victories is due to Rob's continuing dedication and enthusiasm for the task which rubs off on others. He has also been instrumental, along with Martin O'Neill in getting ex Colts back to play friendlies against our current Colts and so maintain their connection with the club which is a very important role in keeping our Senior Playing membership numbers up.

However, Rob has a few more priorities now, not only in raising a family with young Arthur, Bea, and another one on the way, but in making a career out of rugby through his management of Thame & Bicester RugbyTots. Not only is he usefully employing some of our senior players but he is also ensuring the future of our club by providing an endless supply of Mini players.

Rob, we cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Chinnor RFC over the years both as player and as a coach. We hope you will keep in touch with us as it won't belong before you are a Mini's parent.... and then coach again. So you will not be leaving us.”

James Cook – Colts Captain
“Rob, on behalf of all the Colts players over the last 5 years, I would like to thank you for your coaching and your dedication. Cheers for giving up your time twice a week; all the best in whatever you chose to do next.”

Charlie Nicholls - 1st XV Player
“Thanks for the support over the last two years and you will missed. Good luck with everything in the future; thank you!”

Hywel Evans – Coach
“I have been coaching with Rob since 2005-06. His support and development of the boys, and myself to become a level 2 coach is something for which I’ll be forever grateful, and we’ve sure had some fun along the way!
Most important is friendship and seeing young boys develop into solid adults. I’m sure Rob would like to thank all the parents since Arthur has been born for providing a free crèche and baby sitting! Nic Barker will surely remember his time on pram duty while out injured for half a season.
So many tour highlights that’s it’s hard to list - though sharing a room with him is quite something. He snores like a pig but the sod is too deaf to hear himself. And the great battles we had on those tours will always remain in the memory. One in particular was the 7 – 0 victory over the state of Pretoria who had whittled down their squad from 2,500 boys to face Chinnor RFC! Those involved will never forget the tour of Tenby that saw two victories including the battle of Narbeth.

With Colts and juniors we have enjoyed league title wins. Oxford RFC being particularly memorable, overturning a pre match 50 points difference deficit to win the match by 53 points and so win the title on the +3 difference. National LV Plate finalists, Abingdon sevens plate, South West Champions, the list goes on. Feels quite strange thinking he will not be on pitch side next year but I wish him all the best for the future.”

Cam Hill – 1st XV Player
“Thanks for everything Rob, you’ve been a blessing to the club and will be sorely missed.”

Max McMinn - Player
“Thanks for the support over the last two years and you will missed. Good luck with everything in the future; thank you!”

Tommy Evans – Player
“After being coached by Rob for 10 years there are many great memories I can share of Rob including keeping him sweet with a strawberry milkshake every week when myself, Dad, Con and Diddly would be half an hour late after getting a McDonald’s before every away game. Knowing Rob was hung over every Sunday when he’d turn up with extremely dark sunglasses on to mask the drunken pain in his eyes, whatever the weather! And seeing the mums faces when Rob used every expletive under the sun to give us a kick up the arse every week.
Overall, a top top bloke that I’ve got a lot of time and respect for. Rob has given so much time and effort to the colts and junior teams but undoubtedly Chinnor Rugby Club as a whole, a legend! Knight him!

Rob, your presence will be missed at the club, all the best in your future endeavours, you’re going to have more kids than tattoos at this rate with all your extra free time!"

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