Dewsbury Rams announce death of club president Jack Addy

Addy was suffering from dementia and was recently admitted to hospital where he passed away on Friday night.

"Dewsbury RLFC was a major part of Jack’s life, beginning with his early days as a player in the Colts team, but it was his time as head coach that really stood out," read a club statement.

Addy was appointed Dewsbury coach ahead of the 1983-84 season after the departure of Tommy Smales.

He put together a promotion-winning team with the likes of Dave Busfield, Chris Mita, Tony Murphy and Nigel Stephenson signing for the club as they earned their place in the top flight.

Addy moved onto Huddersfield in 1986 but returned to the club four years later to take charge for the 1991 season.

"He steadied the ship in what would be Dewsbury’s final season at Crown Flatt," the statement continued.

"Jack was then instrumental in getting Norman Smith back to the club, first as his assistant, and then in the role of head coach, paving the way for his successor at a time many supporters remember the fast-flowing exciting style of rugby that they coached the players to achieve.

"Jack’s association with the club was to continue long after his coaching days had finished, with roles serving the club on the committee, before taking on the role of club president and being a steadying influence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

"He also helped to save the club a lot of money by taking on maintenance jobs that would otherwise have had to be tackled externally, even standing in as head coach for a handful of games when called upon."

Dewsbury plan to give Addy a "befitting" tribute when life is able to return to normality.

The statement added: "Jack met his partner, Pat, outside of rugby but he soon made sure she caught the bug and they were a familiar sight together at the games, as well as being regularly mentioned over the tannoy as club sponsors.

"Jack also loved his cricket, playing to a high standard in a competition then known as the Yorkshire Council.

"He also enjoyed golf, but it is for what he did for rugby, and in particular Dewsbury Rams RLFC, that he will be remembered for.

"Jack will be sadly missed and our condolences go to Pat, and to all of his friends and to his family. He will be dearly missed.

"A befitting tribute to Jack will be arranged once more normal times return to all of our lives."