Tribute paid to renowned Sussex rugby player

The son of renowned Eastbourne and Sussex rugby player Brian Luard has paid tribute to his dad, who has died 94.
Brian Luard pictured on the wing during his playing daysBrian Luard pictured on the wing during his playing days
Brian Luard pictured on the wing during his playing days

Brian was capped many times by Sussex in the late 40s and 50s and played on the left wing for Eastbourne 1st XV for many years. When playing for Sussex his favourite position was centre three-quarters.

At the time, Brian won more caps for Sussex than anyone else.

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SEE ALSO Plodders pleased to get one last race in before lockdown | £40k mark passed as Sussex football fundraisers run for NHS heroesOriginally, born in India, where his parents managed a tea estate, before managing Chalk Farm Hotel, Willingdon, he lived for close on 90 years in Willingdon village.

Briand featured with wife Gillian in the Eastbourne Herald's Sportsmen at home section in 1959Briand featured with wife Gillian in the Eastbourne Herald's Sportsmen at home section in 1959
Briand featured with wife Gillian in the Eastbourne Herald's Sportsmen at home section in 1959

Brian's son Chris said: "A kind, modest man with a wonderful sense of humour, he, was a much loved and respected teacher for many years at Ascham and St Andrew's.

"We are all very, very proud of what dad achieved in his career."

The Eastbourne Herald featured Brian in their 'Sportsmen at home' section in 1959.

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Pictured with wife Gillian, who Brian was married to for 61 years, the article mentioned it was her who kept him playing rugby. Quoted in the story, Brian said: "She keeps on at me to play - probably because she's afraid I'll get fat."

Brian Luard (sitting on the ground, far left) with his Eastbourne 1st XV team mates in the 1950sBrian Luard (sitting on the ground, far left) with his Eastbourne 1st XV team mates in the 1950s
Brian Luard (sitting on the ground, far left) with his Eastbourne 1st XV team mates in the 1950s

The article mentioned that he was gifted at soccer, tennis, cricket and says, "Brian has donned the county colours more than 40 times since his first county game in 1948-9".

Chris said: "My dad's innate modesty is clear when the article records him saying,'I never did understand why I was selected for Sussex'.

The article also mentioned his, 'fearless tackling'.