THE SCENE outside Lydney Town Hall for the funeral of Gordon 'Sarge' Sergent last Thursday was almost Victorian in its intensity with the crowds within and outside the hall making for standing room only, as family, friends and colleagues came together to bid farewell to one of the most successful rugby players that the Forest has ever produced.

With the speeches and eulogies relayed to the crowd of around 250 who stood outside in dazzling summer sunshine, tributes were paid to the Gloucester, Gloucestershire and an English international player, who died last month after a short illness, at the age of 63.

Gordon Sargent, although known to many in the rugby world as Mr Lydney, was actually born in Gloucester, but was embraced by the Forest as his prodigious skills on the pitch unfolded.

Making some 200 appearances for Gloucester between 1976 and 1987, he also appeared in the County Championship finals on three occasions and for Barbarians in 1981. He was capped just once for England when he represented his country in the under 23 squad.

Following his retirement from playing, he became coach, and later director of Lydney RFC.

In a tribute from his wife Ann, and other family members, read out at the civil ceremony held in the Town Hall they said: "His sudden death has left us bewildered with many questions that will remain unanswered.

"Many of his friends will have heart felt stories that will be told to try and capture the image of this great man.

"He always had a word of encouragement for younger players, he gave just enough words so set them off on the right path."

Amongst the floral tributes that decorated the hearse as it drove from the Town Hall to the Crematorium was one in the shape of a rugby ball.

Among the famous names from the world of sport who attended were Phil Blakeway of Cherry and Whites, Mike Burton, rugby international, and Steve James, cricket international – who hails from Lydney.

'Sarge's' coffin was carried from the Town Hall past ranks of applauding family, friends, colleagues and fans, in a moving ovation to a legendary local player who went on to national and international fame and regard.