Bob Wilkinson (rugby union) explained

Bob Wilkinson
Full Name:Robert Michael Wilkinson
Birth Date:25 July 1951
Birth Place:Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Death Place:Haynes, Bedfordshire, England
School:St Albans School
University:University of Cambridge
Ru Position:Lock
Years1:1969–1985
Apps1:311
Points1:148
Years2:1972–1984
Apps2:19
Points2:12
Repyears1:1975–1976
Repcaps1:6
Reppoints1:0

Robert Michael Wilkinson (25 July 1951 – 1 February 2021) was an English rugby union player who played as a lock. Born in Luton, he attended St Albans School and the University of Cambridge, where he earned three Blues between 1971 and 1973. He played his club rugby for Bedford RFC, for whom he made more than 311 appearances in a 16-year career; he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1969, and made his final appearance in 1985. He captained Bedford from 1976 to 1979. He also made 19 appearances for the Barbarians between 1972 and 1984, including the famous victory over New Zealand in Cardiff in 1973, scoring three tries; he served as captain for the Barbarians for matches against Cardiff RFC and Newport RFC on their Easter tour to South Wales in 1979.[1] He earned six caps for England between May 1975 and March 1976.

Wilkinson died on 1 February 2021 after a short illness. He was survived by his wife Sally and their four sons.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Player Archive - R. M. Wilkinson . Barbarian FC . 14 February 2023 .
  2. News: Obituary - R.M. ‘Bob’ Wilkinson . Bedford Blues RFC . 9 February 2021 . 14 February 2023 .