Bob Lawless – remembered
Posted on 29 June 2026
It is with the greatest sadness that I must inform you of the death of our friend and colleague Bob Lawless who died today 28th June 2026 of a heart attack as he walked with his wife around RHS Wisley.
He was a wonderful passionate supporter of all rugby in Middlesex and beyond. His reach was extraordinary and he made such a difference to so many lives and clubs both in and outside Middlesex. An inspirational President of his county in his time from 2018-20 who even after he had completed his term in office continued to provide outstanding service to his County and its clubs. In whatever he did he always looked to make a significant contribution.
For those of you who read our newsletter you would have known that he was the current vice-chair of the County, and the Chairs of both Coaching and Referee Development. On top of that he was the Middlesex Representative on the L&SE Regional Organising Committee and a level 7 league secretary for Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex.
He could be found every weekend across the season on a touchline somewhere supporting local rugby, whether it was Friday Night Under Lights, a Community Game on a Saturday or watching his beloved U20s across the London and SE Region.
Perhaps Eddie Keal, our Chairman summed Bob up as well as any;
“I have no words to express my sadness. Bob was the finest person I have ever met in rugby, utterly selfless, endlessly giving and a true friend.”
A proud and committed family man our thoughts are with all those who loved him at this desperate time.
Only seventy-three, for me his loss to the game locally is immeasurable.
A true friend with whom I had the very greatest respect and admiration who is already very sadly missed.
Andrew Smart
President Middlesex Rugby
Condolence Letter from Deborah Griffin OBE, the President of the RFU
