It is with great sadness that the CRFU have been informed of the death of our past President John Sumnall.
At this stage we await further information and will post on here when we are able to.
Our President Andy Reed and all members of the CRFU Management Board offer their sincerest condolonces to John’s family and many friends.
There will be a minute’s silence in his memorary ahead of tomorrow night’s game at St. Austell when Cornwall President’s XV play the Royal Navy U.23s.
The following was written by our Chair Steve Murley.
It was with great sadness that the CRFU was told of John Sumnall’s recent passing.
John was a respected and dedicated past President of Cornwall RFU, a position where his
leadership helped shape the future of rugby across the county. His impact, however, reached beyond the administrative offices and onto the very heart of community rugby.
In 1993 he was the one of the founders and a driving force behind the Bolingey Barbarians,
serving as their inaugural Chair. This unique club, which raises vital funds for children’s
charities in Cornwall, perfectly encapsulated John’s blend of good humour, community spirit, and love for the game.
In addition, in 1999, John, along with others helped to form the Cornish branch of the
Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby. Their mission is to transform the lives of
disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through the power of rugby.
For many years, he was also a key and highly valued member of Perranporth RFC, where
his wisdom and commitment were instrumental to the club’s success and spirit. John was
Honorary Secretary for many years and helped to move the club from a small village team to the expanding network of youth and senior teams that flourishes today.
John acted as both Bolingey Barbarians and Perranporth RFC’s representative on the
CRFU. He sat on many CRFU committees, was meticulous in his preparations and
contributions and always gave wise and considered counsel.
In addition to his administrative and club roles, John was an accomplished ex-rugby referee.
His dedication to the whistle was such that he officiated not only across the UK but also in
South Africa, giving him a broad perspective and deep respect for the game’s global
community.
Over a 30 year involvement from 1997 to 2007 he took on many roles within the Cornwall
Rugby Referees Society ( CRRS ). He acted as Exchange Secretary, Secretary, Chairman,
RFU Assessor as well as representing the CRRS on CRFU Committees including
Disciplinary. During this time he was also asked to serve on the Executive Committee of the
CRFU and SW Society of Referees.
John became CRFU President in 2019, a well deserved recognition of the years of selfless
service he had given to Cornish rugby in many capacities. His involvement spanned local
community rugby to Senior County rugby, from refereeing the game to administering our
game and ensuring that rugby was utilised to make a contribution to those less fortunate.
John’s legacy is one of unwavering service, camaraderie, and a genuine desire to use rugby
as a force for good. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the entire Cornish rugby community whose lives he touched.
