It is with great sadness to report that Cyril “Oggie” Wright passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. Oggie’s unquestionable love for (Old) Novocastrians RFC, was perhaps first demonstrated as a school boy at the Royal Grammar School, as he played with distinction in the school’s 1st XV earning himself school colours in 1957; Oggie proudly presented his school colours cap to the club in 2015, which sits contented in the club cabinet.

After school, university beckoned for Oggie, which took him to King’s College (now Newcastle University) to study Dentistry. Oggie played for Old Novos from his 6th form school days, however he moved to Medicals to play with his college chums. His passion for Novos was too great however and he returned to the club in 1963 from which he stayed; he always wanted to know how Medicals were getting on however. Oggie, an intimidating and well set second row was a welcome return and he continued playing for the 1st XV up until 1977; his final game for the club was for the 3rd team in 1979. Oggie’s favourite Novos game was without doubt, against the Northumberland President’s XV in 1963, to showcase the opening of the clubhouse extension. Old Novos played a side packed with Northumberland County players and the odd smattering of full internationals from Ireland, Scotland and England; Oggie regularly recounted how well he played in this game!

Oggie was instrumental in turning around the club’s fortunes in the mid 1970’s with a close eye on club proceedings. As Novos President, between 1981-83, Oggie forged links with RGS school boys to fuel the club’s successes for the rest of the 1980’s and early 90’s. Oggie, a skilled dentist, was also known to stitch up cuts to players faces after a game in the club kitchen…he would try to do this before his sixth pint of the afternoon! He was always there to lend a hand to his club, devoting much of his time through his various voluntary roles and even giving donations to his club when it was in desperate need.

Despite his courageous three year battle with pancreatic cancer, Oggie still made it to Sutherland Park to cheer on his boys; the last time was only three weeks ago. On leaving the club that evening, I asked him how he had managed to battle such a debilitating and painful condition for so long – he responded “sheer determination”. These words encapsulated a man that never gave up and continued to support the club he loved despite the struggles bestowed upon him.

The Sutherland Park balcony won’t be the same without him.
Oggie Wright R.I.P.
1939-2016

Update:
Oggie's funeral will take place on Wednesday 30th November at 13:30 at St Mary’s Church, Ponteland. Parking will be available at The Blackbird Inn straight opposite the church.