THE world of Kent Rugby is mourning the sudden death of one of its most active and committed members.

Former national referee assessor Roger Kelsey from Headcorn, near Maidstone, died suddenly, aged 67, following heart surgery at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Born in Challock, Mr Kelsey first played rugby for Aylesford Paper Mills before joining Maidstone RFC.

He went on to gain his referee qualifications in 1969 and after spending time refereeing in the county eventually became a national assessor.

Carrying out this role he travelled across the country to monitor refrees and also spent time as the president of Kent Society of Rugby Referees.

Having got to the stage where he could not go any higher, Roger turned his hand to administration.

Mr Kelsey was a tireless supporter of Kent RFU and devoted much of his time to carrying out a variety of committee roles including chairman of competitions and a member of the disciplinary panel.

At Maidstone RFC, Mr Kelsey spent time as both treasurer and vice-president of the club. His most recent role was as BBC Radio Kent’s rugby correspondent with a regular Friday night slot discussing the weekend’s games and live match updates from the county’s top game on Saturdays.

Her was also a lover of cricket and was a life member of Kent County Cricket Club.

The funeral service will take place at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone, on Wednesday, June 29 at 2.45pm.

Family flowers only. Donations in aid of rugby in Kent can be sent care of Birds Funeral Directors, Fisher Street, Maidstone, Kent, where full details are available.

* Canterbury RC's David Haigh, who had known Mr Kelsey for some 25 years, spoke to kmfm sports editor Simon Watts about a man who was rugby through and through...

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