Bury St Edmunds Rugby Union Football Club pays tribute to Dan Martin - ‘beloved member, devoted family man and true gentleman’

A rugby club has paid tribute to a ‘beloved member, devoted family man and true gentleman’ who has died.

Bury St Edmunds Rugby Union Football Club said it was with ‘the heaviest of hearts and profound sadness’ that it shared the passing of Dan Martin.

In a social media post, the club said: “Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to Dan’s wife, Jess, and their children, Blake and Maisie.

“The Bury Rugby Family stands with you during this difficult time.”

It said Dan was a dedicated, respected, and cherished member of the club.

For eight years, he served as an age group head coach in its mini and youth section, guiding and supporting the same group of children and parents from their early days at the U6 level.

The club said Jess also shared in this commitment, taking on the role of team manager throughout this journey.

“Dan was always willing to offer his time and advice to other head coaches of younger age groups, helping them navigate the challenges he had already faced - often with a laugh and a smile,” the club said.

“He was also an active volunteer, always ready to assist despite his work commitments.

“In everything Dan did at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, his deep love for the club and the section to which he dedicated so much of his time and energy shone through. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a true gentleman.

“Our club will be poorer without Dan, but he will never be forgotten. He will always be a part of the Bury Rugby Family.

“May he rest in peace.”

Club chairman Craig Germeney said Dan, who was a sales director for a frozen food company, was a massive supporter of the club and became involved when his children joined the U6.

“He was nice to be around, helpful, always smiling, happy and just a really nice guy.”

Mr Germeney said the club planned to do something to pay a lasting tribute to Dan in co-ordination with his family.