A crowd gathered outside Falmouth Rugby Club to pay their respects to David 'Benji' Thomas ahead of his funeral.

Dave passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his family, on Thursday 10th February 2022. .

The funeral took place today (Friday 25th) at Trelawny Chapel, Penmount Crematorium.

Ahead of the ceremony, the procession made its way through Penryn, via Pendennis Point and Falmouth Rugby Club.

Speaking to Nub News, Rob Riley reflected on his memories of Dave Thomas, saying:

"He was an inspiration. At Penryn school, he was our sports teacher, always encouraging, seemed to pick you up at the right moments. After that, I used to see him in the choir because I stayed local and we met up quite a few times. He always remembered your name and was very polite."

A Falmouth Rugby Club volunteer added:

"I remember that game against Yorkshire in the County Championship. It was the first time we'd won something in years. Just fantastic. He had a superb attitude to the game, a proper sportsman."

Aside from coaching Cornwall, Dave was also part of the Penryn side of the 1960s that dominated local rugby. He taught at Penryn Secondary Modern and coached Penryn, Falmouth, and St. Ives.

He had a great affinity with the Cornwall supporters, whom he called "Cornwall's 16th man."

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