RUGBY players, past and present, from across Devon attended a service of Celebration for respected player at Crediton Rugby Club and Devon RFU President, Paul Harris, on January 16.

There was standing room only at the back of Crediton Parish Church, every seat taken.

They were there to pay tribute to a man who had dedicated much time and commitment to rugby across the county and in Crediton.

Crediton RFC said that Paul first pulled on a black and amber shirt in the 1969/70 season and made 151 appearances for the club.

It said what he gave to Crediton RFC off the field was immeasurable, adding: “From Match Secretary to Chairman and ultimately President, Paul dedicated decades of service to the club he loved.”

It added that his influence reached far beyond Blagdon.

During the service, conducted by Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie and Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza, there were tributes by Trevor Sanders from Crediton RFC and Chris Forster from Devon RFU.

Chris spoke of the numerous roles Paul held within Devon RFU before becoming President from 2022 to 2025 - a position he fulfilled with pride, humility, and an unwavering belief in the importance of grassroots rugby.

He described Paul as one of the best administrators in rugby and thanked Hilary and his family for allowing him time to devote to rugby.

He concluded that if there was a rugby committee upstairs, God would be strengthening his team as another great rugby man goes over the posts for the last time.

There were heartfelt tributes by Paul’s children, Kate and Jay, and poems were read by Lizzie and Kate.

Donations in Paul’s memory will be shared between Amyloidosis Research Fund, Hospiscare and Marie Curie and can be sent to A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.