The rugby community is in mourning following the passing of former Welsh international rugby player, Ian Buckett, at the age of 56. Hailing from Holywell, Ian’s illustrious career has been commemorated by tributes from across the rugby world, particularly from the clubs he represented and the teammates he influenced.
Flint Rugby Club, where Ian began his journey, fondly remembered him as a gentleman and a valuable contributor to the club. Starting at Delyn RFC, Ian’s talent and dedication were quickly recognized, leading to his selection for Welsh Schools and subsequently playing for numerous North Wales clubs and Birkenhead Park before moving to Swansea. His time at Swansea Rugby Club, spanning nine seasons, was marked by a string of accomplishments, including representing Wales U21, Wales A, and three full caps for Wales. Even after retiring from professional rugby, Ian continued to share his expertise with his hometown club, Flint, and played for the North Wales Barbarians on several occasions, leaving an indelible mark on the entire North Wales rugby community.
RGC also paid tribute to Ian, acknowledging his invaluable contributions as part of the committee that helped establish the club and his profound influence as a player and a businessman. His journey from North Wales to Swansea, London Welsh, and Oxford University, exemplifies his unwavering dedication to the sport and his impact on the wider rugby community.
London Welsh, where Ian joined in 1998, remembered his instrumental role in the club’s success and the profound impact he had on his teammates and the club’s supporters. Ian’s legacy extends far beyond his exceptional playing career, as he left an enduring impression on everyone he met, both on and off the field.
Ian’s dedication to rugby and his unwavering commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players have left an indelible mark on the sport. His profound impact on the clubs he played for, as well as his instrumental role in the early years of RGC, is a testament to his enduring legacy in Welsh rugby.
The outpouring of tributes and heartfelt messages from the rugby community is a testament to the profound impact Ian had on the sport and the lives of those he touched. As the rugby world mourns his passing, his memory will continue to inspire countless players and fans, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
Ian Buckett’s legacy as a rugby player and mentor will forever be etched in the annals of Welsh rugby, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. His passion for the sport, coupled with his unwavering dedication to his clubs and teammates, serves as an enduring reminder of the values that define the rugby community.
In loving memory of Ian Buckett, may his legacy continue to inspire and uplift the rugby community, both in North Wales and beyond.