It is with great sadness that Leinster Rugby learned of the death of one of the true greats of the game, Bobby Brophy, who passed away on Monday morning…Tribute…

I have been fortunate in sharing a friendship with Bobby Brophy for over forty years.

When we first met he was a selector in Wanderers welcoming a new playing member. Over the following years he was Honorary Treasurer, Club President in 1972/73, Representative to the Leinster Branch and Leinster President in 1988/89.

Throughout that time his kindness, generosity and encouragement to me as a player and later as a coach never faltered. He supported my first hesitant steps in the coaching world; encouraged me to broaden my horizons (Clontarf as it happens) at a time when it was not as fashionable to change clubs as it is now.

He shared my successes (few) and my failures (many) with the same unflappable humour that he delighted the after-dinner speaking circuit with all his life.

He was immensely proud of Wanderers and of Leinster and it is perhaps fitting that the last time we spoke was at a Leinster game in the RDS in the company of his great friend and fellow Leinster Past President Paddy Bolger.

To his wife Jo, to his brothers Niall and Victor and to Robin, Brian, Denise and Nigel our heartfelt sympathy. Wanderers and Leinster have lost a great friend.

GERRY MURPHY