Cecil Duckworth CBE: Worcester Warriors President dies aged 83

The founder of Worcester Bosch died following a short battle with illness and the news came as a shock to all, sparking many to share their kind words about the man who is considered the reason Warriors are where they are today. 

😢 We are deeply saddened to learn that our President Cecil Duckworth CBE passed away today aged 83.

👉 https://t.co/FahZ7De0xO pic.twitter.com/4ZwaGHmvqQ

— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) November 15, 2020

Current and ex-players shared their fond memories of the much-loved figure, with former fly-half Andy Goode describing him as a "wonderful" man. 

So sad to hear of the passing of Cecil Duckworth. A wonderful man who poured his heart and soul into @WorcsWarriors. I got on so well with Cecil over my career and he’ll be greatly missed in Worcester and beyond. #RIPCecil

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) November 15, 2020

Sad news, a great man who has done so much for the club and city of Worcester. RIP Cecil https://t.co/W66LSQjxZX

— ryan lamb (@ryan_lamb) November 15, 2020

Very sad news! A great and thoughtful man who invested so much into Warriors and into Worcester itself! https://t.co/ceZQ8rkTGJ

— Ted Hill (@Ted_Hill26) November 15, 2020

Terribly sad news. The catalyst for everything we have now and one of the most genuine and humble men i’ve met. Will never forget his face after that final in 2015...Rest in peace legend ✊🏻 https://t.co/lOz6x2l7Rw

— Niall Annett (@NiallAnnett2) November 15, 2020

Awfully sad news. He was a really lovely man. He kept in touch whilst I was away from @WorcsWarriors & still have a letter he wrote me when I left. Spoke to him recently & sounded excited for the upcoming season. What he did for the rugby club & city was immense. Thank you Cecil. https://t.co/wicpVee6eK

— Matthew Kvesic (@mattkvesic) November 15, 2020

Very sad news. A great man who put so much into @WorcsWarriors. RIP Cecil 🔵🟡 https://t.co/Su4tNMXsAa

— Josh Adams (@JoshAdams951) November 15, 2020

Mr Duckworth joined Worcester RFC (as they were named then) back in 1997 and oversaw the leap from the regional amateur leagues into the Premiership in 2004, where Warriors have, largely, been ever since. 

Various members of the rugby world paid their respects to Duckworth, who's role within the Worcester community outside of rugby saw him appointed a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2013 for his charity contributions. 

World Rugby Chairman and former England international Sir Bill Beaumont tweeted saying Duckworth was responsible for turning Worcester's Premiership dream into a "sustainable reality". 

Sad to hear of Cecil Duckworth’s passing. A true gentleman, passionate about #rugby & turned Worcester’s @premrugby dream into a sustainable reality. He will be missed. Thoughts with his family & the @WorcsWarriors community

— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) November 15, 2020

All of #PremRugby condolences are with @WorcsWarriors after their president Cecil Duckworth CBE passed away today.

Thoughts are with his family too, along with the whole #RugbyFamily ❤️

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) November 15, 2020

From all at North Midlands RFU - we wish to send our sincerest condolences to Cecil's Family members and friends and everyone @WorcsWarriors on the passing of President Cecil Duckworth.

#RIP #rugbyfamily

— North Midlands RFU (@NorthMidsRFU) November 16, 2020

Former coaches and director's of rugby were also keen to pass on their condolences.

Gary Gold, who was at the club in 2017 for a short time, said he was "heartbroken" when he heard the news. 

So heartbroken to hear of the passing of the incredible Cecil Duckworth. A thorough gentleman & enjoyed my time working with him.The legacy he has left for the @WorcsWarriors family & @EnglandRugby is unique in world rugby. Thank you for your guidance and friendship. RIP Sir. 🙏

— Gary Gold (@Garygoldrugby) November 15, 2020

Terribly sad, it was only a few weeks ago he called and we chatted for what must have been an hour (he called after most games!)... He was still so passionate, supportive and positive about the future of the club but also spent time fondly reminiscing. What a legacy. #Legend https://t.co/xFkw24PTrf

— Jonathan Thomas (@JonThom82) November 15, 2020

A rugby man through and through ...really sad news ...he was always the teams greatest fan. . https://t.co/1BrV6sE5Yw

— Omar Mouneimne (@omarsedefence) November 15, 2020

Warriors' fans expressed their gratitude to the man who brought Premiership rugby to the city of Worcester and some are calling for statues to be erected, as well as stands being named in his honour. 

No one could claim to have done more for @WorcsWarriors than Cecil Duckworth. We, as supporters, owe him a tremendous amount and his legacy will certainly live on in all of us.

Devastated to learn of his passing today.

RIP Cecil#AlwaysAWarrior pic.twitter.com/bW4QQzzEFz

— #RugbyWorcs (@RugbyWorcs) November 15, 2020

So sad to hear Cecil has passed away. A true gent, whose support, vision and drive created the opportunity for all @WorcsWarriors to realise personal and the clubs potential.
RIP Cecil a great man.

— Bruce Fenley (@BruceFenley) November 15, 2020

Sad to hear this news , one of the most genuine blokes you will ever meet . Remember him inviting the whole squad and families to his home for a pre season get together. Thoughts and prayers to family ,friends and everyone who’s hearts he touched . Rugby ,community,🍻RIP Cecil

— Lee Fortey (@leeforteysports) November 15, 2020

The sheer number of people who have tweeted on Cecils passing has taken me by surprise but it speaks absolute volumes, he really was the very best.

One of the most generous people to call Worcester home. He should have a statue in the City, let alone at Sixways. https://t.co/ludoHhVVAl

— Worcester Faithful (@WorcsFaithful) November 15, 2020