Obituary: Ross Reeves

A Canadian by birth, he originally played Canadian Football as a linebacker in the Canadian Football League for Concordia University Montreal, subsequently playing professionally for Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was also a member of the Canadian World Cup bobsleigh team.

When Ross took up rugby, he played for Town of Mount Royal in Quebec from 1987 to 1989 and also represented Quebec Province. He joined Bristol in December 1989, making three Bristol United appearances during the 1989-90 season. He made his first team debut the following season and was awarded his United cap at the season’s end. In all Ross played seven matches for Bristol’s first team, scoring one try.

In addition, he made a total of 28 appearances for Bristol United, scoring three tries. Ross played his final games for Bristol on the club’s tour to Canada in August 1993. One of these matches was against his former club, Town of Mount Royal. Bristol won this game 104-0, which was the club record win at the time.

For the previous two decades Ross had been heavily involved with Dursley RFC. He coached at junior level and was most recently Head Coach of the Colts. He also captained the Nomads, the club’s 3^rd XV. His son, Jack, who started learning his rugby at Dursley at the age of five, has played at centre for Hartpury, Gloucester Academy and England Under 20.

Ross died suddenly last weekend at the age of just 56. All at Bristol Bears send their sincere sympathy to Ross’s family, his friends and all at Dursley RFC.