By Coventry Telegraph
October 17 2008

EARLSDON'S players line up for a minute's silence in tribute to life member Jack Carnall, whose involvement with the club stretched over 70 years. Bar treasurer for 52 of those years until his death last week at the age of 90, Carnall was passionately devoted to Earlsdon, and the game of rugby, since joining the club in 1937 as a flanker.

After six years of war-time service in the RAF, Carnall - who had moved positions to hooker - returned to captain the side from 1947 to 1952.

He played on until 1971 and, a coach and innovator, was the inspiration behind the establishment of mini rugby at Earlsdon over 40 years ago, claiming his greatest achievement as starting Neil Back on the road to England and World Cup stardom. Back presented Jack and his wife Dot, who died in 2002, with one of his England shirts as a mark of thanks for those early years and even introduced him to Sir Clive Woodward as the man who started him on the route to the top.

Service manager at Gauge & Tool, apprentices were always given time off if they played for Earlsdon. Carnall also assisted with the building of the clubhouse when Earlsdon moved to their current home at Kirby Corner, and he held numerous roles at the club, serving on a variety of committees and as chairman from 1979 to 1984. He was awarded life membership in 1988.

He never forgave the powers that be for turning rugby into a professional game, but he did achieve an ambition when playing in the same side as his sons Peter and Ian, who also both captained Earlsdon.

Said Ian: "Peter and I are very proud of his achievements both in his playing days with Coventry Boys, Coventry Extras and of course Earlsdon, and in his devotion to the club. The City of Coventry has lost a true Coventry Kid and a fantastic ambassador for the game of rugby."

Paying their respects

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 17/10/2008 18:07

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
17/10/2008 18:07

Paying their respects

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Roger Fox
18/10/2008 15:17

What a great character was Jack. Willing to help anyone he gave everything to Earlsdon RFC. He will be mssed by legiond of ex mnis. Have a pint waiting for me Jack in the clubhose in the sky.

Ron Frost

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DaveAitch
18/10/2008 23:04

He may be gone, but he has left a great legacy: Earlsdon Minis.

He also played his part in the senior section of the club. I sampled some of his legacy today even though, obviously I could not meet him. He has left the club in great hands, and I am the richer for my day down there.

Jack, I never met you but you are what rugby is all about.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:18:23:18:05 by DaveAitch.

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