TRFC is incredibly sad to report the passing of Steve Brook, a man who loved this club through and through. Our thoughts and condolences are with Steve's family and friends at this horrible time. Steve passed away after a short battle with cancer. Below are some wonderful words remembering Steve from his fellow teammate and friend Ian.

Steve appeared at preseason training about 1997, a great big smile on his face with not too much to say about himself, but he quietly set about his task in the back row with a determined nature, always managing to get a big cut across the bridge of that great big hooked nose. Probably from one of his signature carries for which he was renowned. He loved his rugby and was well respected by his teammates and opponents alike and unsurprisingly became great friends with many of us and continued to be so until he sadly passed away last week. Steve was the benchmark of a man for many people.
I first met Steve when being introduced to my sons mini rugby group. With his friendliness and an ear to ear grin as wide as Devon and a cheery ‘awwriiiiight’ Immediately he put people at ease and I knew this was going to be an enjoyable social association. Steve was instantly welcoming to newcomers and his open hearted and inclusive approach was key to building great relationships with people and in bringing together a group of mixed temperament rugby kids and parents alike from various social backgrounds. Steve believed in the basic principals be humble, happy and hard working and you will get what you deserve, Greatly admired and great fun to be around, the kids looked up to him and were inspired by his enthusiasm, encouragement and dedication to work harder to be better. Lazy was a 4 letter word never to be used but "Lovely Jubbly" would oft be heard passing his lips when he was enjoying himself.
Turning up at weekends and during the week to coach and cajole the kids with that grin and twinkle in his eyes, charging around cheering, encouraging along the sidelines, a groan but never a moan!
Winning was best of course but come a loss, Steve would be there with a comforting, never mind let’s get on! And after all that, dash straight home and fix another bloody lorry!
Steve loved being part of Topsham rugby club, both as a player, a coach and a supportive club man. He was especially proud when he got to play in the same team as his son Charlie.
We will miss him terribly. Details of his funeral will be posted here once we have them.
-Ian Rae