Rugby Community Pays Tribute To Edwards
The Bermuda rugby community came together at the Somersfield Academy School field in order to remember Stephen Edwards yesterday [Jan 1], playing a memorial match in his honour, while his teammates in the UK also paid tribute saying he represented the club with “class both on and off the pitch.”
Mr. Edwards, 19, died following a serious motorcycle collision that occurred on December 30, 2014.
Speaking yesterday, a teammate of Mr. Edwards said, “We had a memorial game today in honour of Stephen Edwards, who just passed away recently.
“We all came down here to show our support for his family and for his spirit. We know he is still with us on the pitch and we just came here to play our hearts out, to help us deal with it, to help us understand.
“We had such a brilliant turn out. We are all here as his brothers, and his extended brothers and cousins and everyone who are here to play for him.
“It’s been a great day of rugby; as you can see, we’re all muddy. He used to love playing in the rain.
“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has passed condolences to his family, and if you could just continue to support them and support each other and continue to support the wonderful sport of rugby that he loved with all his heart…thanks again.”
Stephen Edwards memorial rugby match held on New Year’s Day:
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“Today was a dirty game, it was bit sloppy, real muddy, with loads of big hits, some crazy little nips and steps.
“We played the set up, we had everyone in a Teachers kit – that was the club he played for – and then we had everyone in the kit that we wore to Vegas; that was the last tour we went on with him.
“It was a great day and I look forward to continue playing for him.”
A story in the Oxford Mail in the UK, where Mr. Edwards attended school, says, “Mr. Edwards travelled to Oxford to study A Levels at Bellerbys College, after receiving a £1,607 grant from the Bermuda Education Network.
“While at Bellerbys, Mr Edwards played for the Gosford All Blacks [GAB] in the 2013-14 season, scoring eight tries for the Kidlington-based team.
“He was subsequently awarded a scholarship by London-based law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman to study law at the University of Sussex.
David Hipkiss of the Gosford All Blacks said, “Stephen was an outstanding young man and had his whole life ahead of him.”
“A book of condolence has been opened at the club and will be sent to Mr Edward’s family.”
Stephen Edwards’ teammates on the match and its meaning:
An official message from the Gosford All Blacks was posted on their Facebook page, saying, “It is with great sadness that this post to wish you all a very happy new year is to be with the news that we have lost a GAB player at only 19-years-old.
“Very sadly, Stephen Edwards, who represented this club with such class both on and off the pitch, has passed away. A real talent with the ball and with academic success that dwarfed even his numerous sporting achievements.
“Rest in peace Stephen. Thanks for the memories, the moments, and for being an inspiration in the short time you were at the club. Our thoughts are with the Edwards family at this horrible time.”
Another teammate of Mr. Edwards said, “I would like to pass on my condolences to the Edwards family. Stephen was like a brother to me; I loved him very much and I’m going to miss him very much.
“Life isn’t going to be the same without him. When I pass away, Stephen you will be the first person I will see when I come up there. I know that I’m going to find you on a rugby pitch with all the great rugby legends up there.
“Rest in peace, brother.”
Well done lads! Great way to honor your friend. He was true talent. He would be proud of you all.