Warm tributes to dedicated Dursley Rugby Ladies coach

Dursley Ladies Rugby coach Peter White, also known as Pete, died on Sunday, September 10, at the age of 69.  

The founder and CEO of his own company ReThink Technology, Pete lived in Wotton-under-Edge with his wife Linda and was well-known and respected in the rugby community across the district and wider area.

Pete, who had three children, three step-children and two grandchildren, went to school in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire and started his playing career with the Civil Service in the same league as Saracens and Quins before playing for Rosslyn Park FC.

He continued playing until his early 50s and ended his career at Ditchling, East Sussex, where he is still known as ‘the most talented player in 45 years’ the club had ever enjoyed.

During the 2017/18 season Pete coached the men's section of Wotton RFC -  and, prior to his death, he had been a coach with Dursley Ladies RFC, also known as the Does, for the last two years.

Touching tributes have been paid to Pete by members from both clubs.

His wife Linda said: "He absolutely loved working with you and was full of optimism about the season ahead.

“He was very proud of you." 

Dursley Ladies coach Simon Camm said: “Since Pete joined the coaching team two years ago, all he wanted to do was make the ladies better players, and that has happened.

“He transformed the team from one up runners, to playing wide expansive rugby.

“Both the team and himself took some time to see each other’s way of how to play, and eventually it worked.

“He has been a huge credit to the team and where they have ended up so far.

“I’m sure the ladies and myself will continue to play the way he envisioned the team to play, and I’m sure the Does will do him proud this season.”

Player Jasmine Parsons said: “Pete was a dedicated, knowledgeable and ambitious coach, he's been a huge part of my rugby journey and I will never forget him.

“Every time I step onto the pitch, I will hear Pete’s voice in my head telling me to run straight and pass the ball and not just take it into contact.

“After game celebrations won't be the same without chatting to him and analysing play, discussing what I did well and what I need to work on for our next game.

“All of the rugby stuff aside, he was someone that we could have a laugh with and shared many stories at the pub after training."

Fellow player Aimee Coates said: “I can hear Pete now shouting ‘use your aggression’!

“He will be greatly missed by all of us he made a big impact for our team and for that we will be forever grateful. 

“We will try and do you proud this season.”

A club spokesperson said: “The whole team and club are devastated by the news but we would like to take a moment to highlight everything he brought to the women’s section and everything that will live on in his memory.

“Pete introduced the team to 7s, coaching us through the summer and showing us how much fun social 7s can be.

“He massively believed in the Does and thought we could go on to win the upcoming season.

“His unfailing commitment to the team has contributed massively to last season’s success and paved our plans for the future.”

A spokesperson for Wotton RFC said: "We were really saddened to hear the news. 

"Our thoughts are very much with his wife, Linda and Dursley Ladies - he was very passionate about the ladies and everything they can achieve, we know all at Dursley RFC will miss him.

"Pete was a tactically sound coach and had a passion for 'bringing the maul back' in open play - he was such a good bloke."

On the weekend members from Dursley Rugby Club held a minute's silence across their matches. 

On Sunday, September 24, Dursley Ladies will be playing at home and will also be honouring Pete with a minute’s silence and will raise a glass to him after the match.

The club encourages everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him to join them.