Sometimes words come easily, sometimes so do tears.

I learned late yesterday that my friend, Neil Maddocks, had suddenly died at home.

Like many hearing this news, I feel numb and disbelief. Neil impacted you on and off the pitch.

I grew to believe he must have a rugby kit in his car ‘just in case’ there was a chance of a game - just a few weeks ago, he appeared in front of me asking about socks as he’d spotted an opportunity to run out for the 3s - and he did for the second half - after arriving for a pre-match lunch and appropriate hospitality!

Neil was loyal, generous and enthusiastic. Many in rugby will know his unwavering support for local clubs, the Combination and Clifton Rugby, where I am proud that we worked together on the Committee.

I will never forget the cash tills having a special Maddocks Beverages section which allowed Neil to enjoy Bovril (often with a shot of port in it).

On and off the pitch Neil gave everything if you needed support; his business (Undebt.co.uk) focussed on helping those in financial trouble, he was a staunch supporter of PROPS, the local charity giving opportunity to local youngsters - whether cycling, playing rugby or dedicating his typically lavish 50th birthday party under the wings of Concorde to charity - if you asked Neil for help, you got it.

When my Son needed a job, when I needed advice about redundancy, when the Club needed contract advice, when a player needed support off the pitch, when anyone asked for anything… Neil was there to help (usually with a smattering of Latin for some reason) but he was there.

And now, somehow, he isn’t anymore. And it hurts like hell.

RIP my friend from all of us.