We are sad to report the passing of Lewis Coombe, age 76, on Saturday 27th July at The Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
Lewis joined Worthing Rugby Club from Chiswick Old Meadonians in 1972, and played for 12 years as a centre, back row forward, and sevens tighthead prop, before retiring aged 34.
He played at both Castle Road and Roundstone Lane, where he supported the club as architectural advisor for the then-new clubhouse.
On the field, the 6ft 2in “Straight Through Lew” was renowned for his powerhouse tackling and brickwall-breaching running. He was an important part of the Worthing sevens heritage of the 70’s, appearing in Burt Trophy winning teams in 1973 and 1976 under the captaincy of Bob Rogers and Colin Coulson, and coaching by Brian Peart.
Lewis’s son Allister also played for Worthing 1st team, and his grandson Ethan is now playing for the Colts, continuing Lewis’s rugby legacy in Worthing.
The funeral will be held at Eastbourne Crematorium on Friday 9 August at 3:30pm. If you are planning on attending or would prefer the live stream of the funeral please contact Allister via his email at pallystar@hotmail.com.