January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Fallen rugby hero’s jersey to be retired
Fallen rugby hero’s jersey to be retired
Marsden’s number 15 rugby jersey will be retired and framed at the Police Recreation Club and a new sportsmanship award will be made each year in his memory.
An annual memorial match against Mariners, who were the opposing team on Sunday, will also become a permanent fixture in the rugby calendar.
The 36-year-old Brit had played for Police for two years and was a regular member of the first team squad.
He died in hospital on Sunday evening after suffering an apparent seizure around 30 minutes into the game. The cause of his death, at this stage, remains unknown.
Marsden's team-mates were quick to pay tribute, hailing him as a great friend, whose commitment and spirit on the pitch, reflected his attitude to life.
Stephen Morton, captain of the police rugby team, said: “Paul was one of the good guys — A gentleman both on and off the pitch.
“He was a regular first team member and was a valued player and friend to all of his team mates.
“In the past two years, he played his part during the successful times of BPRFC and stuck by us when things were not going our way.
“That was Paul - always there and always willing to do what had to be done, even when battling against the odds.
“His death has shocked team mates and the entire Bermuda rugby community.
“As a club, we have been inundated with prayers and thoughts from our opposition - testimony to the respect Paul had on the Island.
“On a personal note, I will miss the chats we had when playing together, waiting for the ball or for the next tackle to come our way.
“Paul, as a fellow player and friend, you will be sorely missed by us all.”
John Bassett, chairman of the club, added: “When a team loses an enthusiastic and keen member it is painful. When a team loses a close friend in such circumstances it is unspeakable.
“Paul was a stalwart of the team in many ways, not just in being the last line of defence at full back. He cleared the lines for his team-mates with a smile and a joke, even when the run of play was against him.
“His commitment and spirit will be missed greatly.”
The following comments from Marsden's team-mates have been passed to the Bermuda Sun by the club and are printed as a tribute to him:
“As a rugby player, Paul could always trusted. Whether it was putting in the big tackles, catching a high ball, or making a good clearance kick, he allowed the players around him to play better in the confidence that he would always do his part, with commitment.
In life he showed all the qualities of trust, commitment and reliability that he showed on the pitch. He will be sorely missed.”
Another player said: “He was a steadfast and loyal player with exemplary sportsmanship qualities and a solid commitment to the team. He was an inspiration to us all and a great player whose presence on the field was made known with his tremendous contributions of pace and skill to the team's efforts.”
Another teammate added: “The thing that I will remember most about Paul was his sincerity.
He was a bit quiet but always had that quality where you could tell he had everyone’s best interest at heart.”[[In-content Ad]]
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