It is with great sadness that I have to advise you that Welwyn RFC’s first full international player, John Wackett, passed away on Saturday 24th February at the age of 93. The funeral will take place at 13.30 on Monday 8th April at St Helen’s Church, High Street, Wheathampstead.

John was a hooker who played for Welwyn in the late 1940s and early 1950s, before moving to Rosslyn Park to further his rugby career. He played for Hertfordshire 37 times and was capped by England twice in 1959 against Wales and Ireland alongside his lifelong friend, Larry Webb. When his playing days were over he served as a selector for London Division and was elected as a Life Member of Hertfordshire RFU.

John and Dorothy lived in Welwyn Garden City for many years, then in Harpenden and latterly in Wheathampstead. Dorothy sadly passed away in 2018. John’s final weeks were spent in a care home in St Albans following a fall on Christmas Day.

John was a Vice President and a good friend of the club and will be sadly missed.

Our condolences go to his two children, Martin and Suzanne and their families.