The Club are very sad to announce the death of Bernie Ainger who died on Sunday (30th June). Bernie had for many year battled with diabetes, but he eventually succumbed to a very recent diagnosis of throat cancer.

Bernie joined the club in 1978, straight from St Ignatius school, and soon became enthusiastically engaged in both the rugby and social life of the Club. In the days before RFU player registration, his youthful good looks enabled him to play for the senior teams and as an over age colts player C1980.

He was a very good guy and in his pomp played at scrum half, always giving his all. At one time he was captain of the club's 2nd XV and even became regular in the 1st XV, when a vacancy arose! In later years after he moved back to Enfield from Suffolk he would also grace the lower teams under the legendary captaincies of Rudy (RIP) and Dave Stone (RIP)...this time as a prop!

Bernie was old school rugby and played because it was fun...and tough at times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Alison and the family

Bernie Ainger 1960 - 2024
RIP