A THURROCK rugby president has been honoured for his contribution to rugby for the last half a century.

Brian Howells, the President of Thurrock Rugby Club, has been with the club since 1963 and was recognised as a Valued Volunteer by Bob Reeves, the President of the RFU.

Brian, 72, was invited to Twickenham on Saturday, November 16 to watch England take on New Zealand, and meet players past and present He enjoyed lunch and a five-course black tie dinner in the Rose Room.

Brian met a number of players both past and present, including Bill Beaumont and Jason Leonard.

Brian said: “I had a wonderful day out, and was treated like royalty at the headquarters of the English Rugby Union. For a devout Welshman this was high praise indeed! It was a great experience I will never forget.”