Forces rugby union mourns the loss of former player and head coach Steve Worrall

The world of forces rugby union has been shocked by news of the death of former RAF and Combined Services player and head coach Steve Worrall aged 63.

His death was announced by the club where he was the current head coach, Weston-super-Mare, earlier today. 

Steve, fondly known as “Barrel”, served for more than 35 years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer. During that time, he played a pivotal role in RAF rugby union and played alongside England internationals, Rory Underwood and Paul Hull.

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He captained the Combined Services team against the All Blacks in November 1993 at Plymouth in a team that included Hull and Underwood, Army and England’s Tim Rodber and Scotland captain Rob Wainwight.

Playing at scrum-half, he claimed the Services' only points of a tight match with a penalty from near half-way. 

He spent several years as a coach at North Walsham RFC as well as time at Peterborough RUFC as a player and head coach. 

After finishing playing, he coached the RAF team and also became assistant director or RAF rugby before leaving the service in January 2013. 

Steve was Weston-super-Mare's head coach between July 2011 and October 2014 before spending 10 years with Chew Valley RFC, initially as assistant coach and then head coach.

He returned to Weston-super-Mare in mid-November 2024, where his drive and enthusiasm for the game were rewarded with two victories before the festive break.

After leaving the Air Force, Steve started a new job within the Military Aviation Authority as a Civil Servant based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. 

In January 2014, Steve moved into the Explosives Safety Licensing Team Manager position within the Defence Ordnance Safety Group, still as a civil servant within the MoD, before returning to the aerospace industry as a manager within Combat Air's Crew Escape Systems Team. 

Steve was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2011. 

Steve was also a great commentator for BFBS, who often joined coverage of the Army v Navy games at Twickenham Stadium with BFBS Sports Editor Jon Knighton saying: "He had great wit and humour, which added to his intense knowledge of the game and made him a great addition to the BFBS team. Steve was great company."

Many tributes have been paid to Steve Worrall from all over the forces rugby world.

Former Royal Navy head Coach, Owen Salmon said it was "such sad news" while former British Army captain Darrell Ball echoed that, saying: "Really sad news, top top man". 

Royal Navy legend Bob Penfold shared a tribute saying: "So sorry to hear this news, I have many memories of Steve both on and off the pitch. RAF and CS legend, Condolences to his family RIP Steve 'Barrel'." 

Gerard Harrison, a former Combined Services player also writing on social media, said: "Enjoyed playing against him, but also alongside him with Combined Services. He was always there to help us less experienced players at the time." 

Steve's family have requested that the Weston-super-Mare 1st XV match against Thornbury and the 2nd XV game with Wellington both go ahead on Saturday as planned.

A minute’s silence will be observed and the players will wear black armbands.

It is with great sadness that the RAFRU has been informed of the passing of former WO Steve Worrall MBE. 

‘Barrel’, an outstanding scrum half, dedicated many decades of service in the name of rugby, both within civilian clubs and Armed Forces rugby. As a player, he earned a record setting amount of caps for the RAF. Going on to represent the Combined Services, including captaining the side against the New Zealand ‘All Blacks’ in 1993, and a call up to the Barbarians for Barrel. 

Turning to coaching following an exceptional, playing career, he used his rugby knowledge and passion for the game in coaching and RFU Coach Education nationally.

Coaching stints at North Walsham and Peterborough during his RAF service days, alongside a long reign as the RAF Senior XV and Combined Services Head Coach. His positive influence shaped many players, coaches, staff rugby and service people journeys.

Having recently taken over as head coach of Weston Super Mare in November after several years at Chew Valley his love of the game and development of all players continued. A huge personality, fun and caring,  Steve will be sorely missed and our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

RAF rugby union and UK Armed Forces rugby stalwart, Tug Wilson MBE