Bath Rugby's oldest living player receives special cap
Stanley Francis, who recently turned 100, was presented with the 1865 Club legacy cap at Larkhall Springs Nursing Home as part of his birthday celebrations, marking his debut in 1951.
The cap, embroidered with his unique Bath Rugby legacy number #1816, was presented by Club President John Hall and current Bath Rugby and England player, Tom Dunn.
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The heart-warming ceremony saw Stanley surrounded by family and friends, sharing his joy in receiving the recognition.
Stanley expressed his gratitude: "It was a fabulous honour to receive my legacy cap from the club—something I couldn't have dreamt of, and I thank Bath Rugby.
"I am very proud, and to be here with my family makes it very special.
"I loved playing rugby, especially the camaraderie amongst my teammates, which is what I enjoyed most."
Stanley, a former pupil at Oldfield School in Bath, made a handful of appearances for the club and was capped by England schoolboys in 1939.
He now joins his late elder brother, Jack, who made his debut in 1949, in receiving a legacy cap.
John Hall, club president and former player, said: "We are incredibly proud to honour Stan with this special legacy cap, celebrating not only him and his family's remarkable contributions to the club, but also Bath Rugby's deep and illustrious history.
"It's a privilege to recognise players past and present who have shaped our journey, and we look forward to welcoming many past players as special guests at our fixture against Newcastle Falcons.
"This celebration of our heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit and camaraderie that defines who we are as a club and the role we have in the community."
The presentation took place ahead of Bath Rugby's upcoming Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixture against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, April 26, which will see past players honoured as distinguished guests for the fixture.
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Bath Rugby, formed in 1865, is a professional rugby union club playing its home matches at The Recreation Ground, known as 'The Rec'.
The Bath Rugby Academy nurtures homegrown talent, and the club is dedicated to forming a professional women's team to compete in the highest tier of domestic rugby in the coming years.
Stanley's cap presentation is a celebration of the club's rich history and the notable contributions of its players, both past and present, in shaping its journey and spirit.
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