Tributes have been paid to a prominent rugby coach who was ‘respected and liked’. Head rugby coach at Weston-super-Mare RFC, Steve ‘Barrel’ Worrall MBE died on Thursday, January 2, the club has confirmed, adding that it is ‘shocked’.
Steve was Weston’s head coach between July 2011 and October 2014. He went on to spend 10 years with Chew Valley RFC, initially as assistant coach and then becoming head coach, but returned to Weston in November 2024.
The club said “his drive and enthusiasm for the game were rewarded with two victories before the festive break”. The club agreed with Steve’s wife, Jackie, on a minute’s silence being held before the Weston-super-Mare 1stXV match at Thornbury on Saturday (January 4), and also before Weston United’s home game against Wellington 2ndXV on the same day, with Weston players wearing black armbands.
In a statement about Steve, Weston-Super-Mare RFC said: “He spent several years as a coach at North Walsham RFC and Peterborough RUFC and as a player, head coach, and assistant director of rugby with the Royal Air Force Rugby Union. He captained the Combined Services against the All Blacks in November 1993, and Steve, playing at scrum-half, claimed the Services only points with a penalty from near halfway.
“Steve’s love of sport was not restricted to rugby. He joined Uphill Castle in 2000 and opened the batting for the 2nds for many years.
“After retiring from league cricket, Steve went on to play for the Uphill Strugglers and the Uphill Castle Golf Society. Having served over 35 years in the Royal Air Force and attaining the rank of Warrant Officer, Steve decided to leave the Service in January 2013.
“He started a new job within the Military Aviation Authority as a Civil Servant based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. In January 2014, Steve moved into the Explosives Safety Licensing Team Manager position within the Defence Ordnance Safety Group, still as a civil servant within the MoD, before returning to the aerospace industry as a manager within Combat Air’s Crew Escape Systems Team.
Steve was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2011 for his military service.
The club added: “Steve was widely respected and liked in many circles, not just in rugby, and his passing will leave a significant gap in those communities. Weston-super-Mare RFC offers sincere condolences to Steve’s family during this difficult time.”
Chew Valley RFC said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share that Steve Worrall, our beloved former coach at Chew Valley RFC, has passed away unexpectedly this morning. His impact on our club over the past decade is immeasurable.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that Chew Minds is here for you – don’t hesitate to reach out. We will share details about the funeral as soon as they become available.”
Steve, fondly known as “Barrel”, served for more than 35 years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer. During that time, he played a pivotal role in RAF rugby union and played alongside England internationals, Rory Underwood and Paul Hull.
RAF Rugby Union on Facebook said: “It is with great sadness that the RAFRU have been informed of the passing of former WO Steve Worrall MBE. ‘Barrel’ was an outstanding scrum half and dedicated many decades of service in the name of rugby. As a player, captaining the Combined Services against the New Zealand ‘All Blacks’ in 1993 as well as playing for the Barbarians. Having just taken over as head coach of Weston Super Mare in November after several years at Chew Valley and coaching stints at North Walsham and Peterborough during his service days alongside a long reign as the Senior XV Head Coach, he will be sorely missed and our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”