David Brooks (rugby union)

David Kenneth Brooks (12 March 1924 - January 2002) was a Rugby Union player who played for the Harlequin F. C. in Twickenham, Surrey. He managed the British Lions on their 1968 tour to South Africa and presided the RFU for a short time from 1981 to 1982. He became life president of Harlequins Rugby Club in 1991.

"Wrecker" as he came to be known led the Lions to South Africa in 1968 where they began their tour with 6 opening provincial wins. This however was not to last as the Springboks were ready for them and got 5 points past to win with a final score of 25-20. The team continued a season of provincial games where they claimed 15 wins in 16 matches.

Aside of rugby, David was a devoted family man to four children and had his profession in the import of fruit and vegetables into which he led both his two sons. His sons, Phillip Brooks and Alan Brooks went on to start their own fruit and vegetable import companies, which continue to operate today. Both have continued on the trait of being devoted family men, with Phillip marrying and having 3 children. Alan married and has two sons. Both of David Brooks' daughters also married and had large families. David's eldest daughter Patricia married had 3 children. Sadly Patricia died in 2007. David's other daughter Sue married and had 4 children.

David's love of rugby and skill seem to have been passed on down the generations with his youngest grandson Mark Tampin having recently joined the Leeds Carnegie academy whilst playing on loan for Harrogate RFC for the 2010-2011 season.

References

• Thomas, Clem; updated by Thomas, Greg (2005). The History of The British and Irish Lions. Mainstream Books. pp. 141–148. ISBN 1-84596-030-0. 
• Daily Telegraph obituary