Michael (Mike) Wardle – RIP

Michael (Mike) Wardle

All connected with Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club over the last 50 years will be sad to learn of the death of one of our most enthusiastic supporters – Mike Wardle.

Mike started his playing career in our Colts XV In the 1970s graduating to our senior sides & playing mainly in the Athletic (3rd) XV & on occasions in the United XV. Mike was a sound full back with a good boot ,sound positional sense & good all round defence; he also appeared in the centre or on the wing. Sadly his playing days were curtailed when after a few senior seasons he was forced to retire through injury.

Having to give up playing was a wretch for Mike but he did the next best thing by becoming a long time (up to the 2025/26 season just elapsed) & stalwart supporter – both home & away in company with his like minded friends- he rarely missed a game until further illness restricted him but still he kept coming. Whenever I met Mike in town he was always asking what was happening at the club; what the prospects were; who were we playing etc. He had a great recollection of times & games past. The club office has always acknowledged that he was the first to pay his annual membership fees – he could not wait for the action to recommence.
Before Mike joined the club his late father was a playing & later committee member where he was involved in selection duties in the early /mid 1960s.

B&A RFC salutes Mike’s long attachment with our extreme gratitude & sends its sincere condolences to his family & friends.

A minute’s silence for Mike will be held at the club prior to our 1stXV home match on Saturday 19 September when his ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden.

Tags: featured, full

Category: Club News