Rugby legend Alan Brinn, a strong mobile lock forward who earned three Test caps for England in 1972 has died aged 81. Alan started his rugby career with the Hereford Rugby Club back in the late fifties, before joining Gloucester in 1960, becoming the Cherry and Whites’ all-time leading appearance maker, playing 574 times between 1960 and 1979. He became chairman of the Gloucester club up to 1996, when the professional era began at Gloucester and after retirement from playing, he became an associate national selector for England Rugby.
After moving to Gloucester, Alan maintained his association with the Hereford club, he was a popular attender at many club social functions and often appeared for the club in special fixtures, in particular the annual Peter Robbins game. Alan was a founder member of the Rings, a social rugby team made up from players from the Gloucester and Hereford clubs. Their games were played on Sundays and although social in nature, the rugby was always serious and many Hereford players gained valuable experience playing alongside and against first-class players in these games.
Alan Brinn standing centre in Hereford team for the Robbins game September 1962
All of those who knew him and played rugby with him will mourn his death and will remember the many happy days and evenings at Rockfield Road, Kingsholme or the Rose and Crown.
Hereford Rugby Club will be thinking of Alan’s family and offer their sincere condolences.
