Tribute to ‘local rugby legend’ CEO of Chinnor RFC

Chinnor RFC, based in Thame, released a statement to announce the death of Simon Vickers, the club’s CEO, former player and former captain, this week.

Mr Vickers joined the rugby club in the 1980s and ‘never truly left’, returning time and again to support the club and improve its work.

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A statement from the club said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Simon Vickers, our CEO and a true pillar of Chinnor RFC.

Simon Vickers, CEO of Chinnor RFC Thame, has passed away (Image: Chinnor RFC)

“Simon was one of us. A former player who captained the club in the 1980s, he never truly left.

“He was ‘dragged back’, as he would joke, and over the past decades transformed Chinnor into what it is today.”

The club said Mr Vickers’ fingerprints are on ‘every corner’ of the club, including the initiatives it supports and its rise from a village club to a Championship team.

It described his contribution as ‘a journey built on vision, discipline and unwavering commitment’.

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The statement added: “To those who knew him as a leader, he was strategic and relentless. To those who knew him as a former player, he was one of the lads.

“To the present players, his support and generosity was always forthcoming and immensely appreciated. To all of us, he was the foundation upon which this club stands.

Chinnor was promoted to the Championship under Mr Vickers’ leadership in 2024 (Image: David Howlett)

“He professionalised our operations while preserving the heart of what makes this club special, ensuring that every decision was made with the long-term interests of the club in mind.

“And crucially, he put in place the infrastructure and approach that will continue to drive our success long into the future.

“Rest in peace, Simon. Chinnor RFC will honour your legacy every time we take the field.”

The news was met with an outpouring of support from friends, club supporters, and neighbouring teams.

One supporter described him as a ‘legend of local rugby’ and said he was ‘utterly dedicated’ to the club, a sentiment echoed by hundreds of tributes paid in reaction to the news.

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Nearby Henley Rugby Club said: “Incredibly sad to hear this news. Simon was a huge character and someone who did so much for grassroots rugby. Rest in peace.”

Chinnor RFC is and English Rugby Union club based at Kingsey Road in Thame, founded in 1962, which currently plays in the second tier of the Championships.

It regularly runs five senior teams as well as a full youth set up from age five upwards, which is widely considered to be one of the best in the country.