Tributes pour in for Uttley

Tributes have been paid for the former Teddington, Wasps and England player Linda Uttley who sadly passed away over the weekend after a long term illness.

Linda was a hugely popular character in the England womens game having begun and ended her playing career at Teddington Rugby Club. In between she played at Wasps Rugby Club where she became a hugely important player helping the club to Cup victories and league triumphs in a team which dominated the womens game.

Her ability soon caught the eye of the England selectors and shortly after she won her first England cap, starting a career where she would win 13 caps, playing in every position but prop, hooker and full-back, being part of squads who competed in the Five Nations and World Cup in 1998.

Her diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of terminal cancer in 2007, sparked a huge outreach of support from the rugby community with a major event being held last year to help raise funds which would go towards using specialists overseas to help extend her life.

As a mark of respect over the weekend Teddington teams held a minutes applause before all of their games. Ladies chairman at Teddington, Georgia Doran said that Linda would never be forgotten.

Linda was a fantastic rugby player and a wonderful team mate - you certainly wanted to be on her team rather than play against her. She was skillful, strong, fast and more importantly a really good laugh. She loved everything about rugby and brought so much to the game, both on and off the pitch. There are so many wonderful memories that we will all have at Teddington of her she was a winner - and her memory will live long at this club.

Carol Isherwood, a founding member of the RFUW and a close friend added:

For me Linda embodied the spirit of rugby. She came into the international fold having served her time on emerging England sides and she worked very hard to improve her game and was rewarded with selection for the 1998 World Cup. While she worked hard, she also played hard and she loved all parts of the game. She was a great teammate for many and a great friend and she will be missed.

Seeherefor a full obituary piece.

She will be buried at St Marys Church in Barnes on Wednesday 9 December. The family have requested that instead of flowers, donations be sent to Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Full funeral details to follow.

Linda Uttley, England womens rugby player, was born on 26th October, 1966. She died on November 27, 2009, aged 43.