Everyone at Tregorrick has been left devastated at the news of the sudden passing of St Austell RFC club colossus Robert ‘Guppy’ Pollard.

Club chair Paul Hayes described Guppy as one of the giants of the Saints.

Hayes said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Sue, his daughters Lowenna and Charlotte and all of the family at this horrendous time.

“St Austell Rugby Club was his second family and Guppy featured in the Saints pack for many years and was a popular club captain.”

Hayes went on: “In more recent times he was coach of the Under 13s and the boys all had the greatest respect for him and he treated them as if they were his own.”

There was nothing Guppy loved more than going on rugby tours and the tales and exploits from past trips to Bristol, Nottingham, France and Italy have passed into club folklore and will be continued to be retold to future generations of Saints.

He was also a very active member of the Bolingey Barbarians, helping to raise money for children’s charities across Cornwall.

Hayes said: “Guppy will be greatly missed by all of his former team-mates and the many, many people who benefited from his unique insights and outlook on rugby, life and all things in between.

“A huge man, a huge character and a huge heart – a massive hole has been left in our lives that will never be filled.

“Rest in peace Guppy – you are on tour now.”

There was a moment of remembrance before the Saints’ game against Sidmouth on Saturday and the St Piran and club flags flew at half-mast.

Tribute to the Big Man written by Paul Hayes:

From Tregorrick to Lankelly to Roseland to Bolingey, the message was the same – Rest in Peace Big Man!

The Cornish rugby community came together at the weekend to honour one of their own – Robert Pollard, who sadly passed away on Tuesday.

The Tregorrick faithful were in full voice with a loud and raucous ovation to celebrate the life of a truly great club legend.

The Saints delivered a performance Guppy would have been proud of beating Sidmouth 48-5 to go 10 points clear in the league.

There was a minute’s silence held at Hayle RFC before the Sinners matched the Saints in scoring eight tries to win 46-7.

There were minute’s silences observed at neighbours Lankelly-Fowey RFC and Roseland RFC.

On Sunday, Guppy’s Under 13s stood with their counterparts Wadebridge Camels to remember their much loved coach.

At Perranporth RFC the Bolingey Barbarians remembered Guppy in time honoured fashion both on the pitch and in the third half at the Bolingey Inn afterwards.

It is measure of how much Guppy was loved by One and All, and what a special sport rugby is.

Guppy RIP.