TRIBUTES have poured in for a rugby man who inspired a generation of players at a Sussex club.

Team-mates of Mark Stenning at Burgess Hill Rugby Football Club have talked glowingly of his invaluable contribution to the club, known as the Sussex All Blacks, after he died last week.

The 43-year-old, from Burgess Hill, was honoured for his work with life membership at the club’s annual general meeting last year after his tireless efforts at Southway Recreation Ground, especially with the junior section.

Neil Upton, chairman of Burgess Hill RFC, played with Mr Stenning from the age of 16.

He said: “It’s a testament to the type of guy he was.

“He was very much an invaluable part of the club and he will be sorely missed.

“From the club’s point of view he was a tremendous ambassador and very much a clubman.

“He would always put his hand up for anything that needed to be done and his son Ashton has come all the way through our junior set up to play for the senior sides.

“But Mark carried on working with the junior and mini section. He was generous with his time and has made a massive contribution to the club.

“He was due to go on rugby tour with us this year and he was helping last Sunday because they needed a hand in the kitchen – a real clubman.”

Mr Upton will liaise with the family but is keen to organise a memorial match for the father of two.

He added: “There will be a minute’s silence before all three senior matches on Saturday, and the minis are playing down in Worthing on Sunday, so I think it would be appropriated given the work he’s done for that side of the club for them to do a similar thing.”

Facebook was flooded with tributes to the popular front-rower, and Michael Grimes said: “The sky gains another bright star this weekend, still haven’t come to terms with what’s happened.

“Such a massive shock, Burgess Hill RFC has lost a devoted supporter and player.

“RIP Mark, you will be missed greatly by everyone. I am proud to say I had the pleasure of playing rugby with you. My thoughts are with your family amd friends at this very, very sad time.”

Mr Stenning leaves wife Michelle, son Ashton and daughter Shannon.

Rugby is more than a game

By Sam David, who was coached by Mark Stenning as a junior

My sympathy and thoughts go out to every single member and friend of Burgess Hill RFC.

The final result has never meant everything and, eventually, we all sadly learn that not every result can go our way.

Through loss, team-mates become family, strangers become friends and our bond grows stronger.

Rugby is not just a game.

With every shirt that’s worn, boot lace tied and bone broken we thank the people who introduced us to the greatest sport to grace this earth.

With every boat race won, hangover nursed and fitness session endured, we honour the selfless people that not only dedicated their time to share their passion with us but also inspired us to achieve greater.

Each time we dig that little bit deeper, run that little bit harder and fight through the pain we do so because at some stage in our careers certain people have been there to teach us that we could.

Rugby is not just a game. Results do not solely define the strength of a team. Burgess Hill RFC are not just a club. Our blood is, was, and forever will be, black.