It is with the greatest sadness that we report the death yesterday 3rd April at the early age of 43 of former First XV player, Stewart Barlow after a long battle with cancer.
Our deepest sympathies and all love and support go to his family, wife Charlotte and parents Stewart and Liz who are such loyal Richmond supporters, and younger brother Iain.
Stewart joined Richmond in the mid-nineties, a talented open side flanker whose fearless big tackling style soon earned him the name of ‘Bosher’.
He became an invaluable part of the Development squad coached by one Andy Maren and Rhys Herbert and when Richmond turned professional in the late 90s, in recognition of his quality as a player, he was integrated into the professional squad, representing the 1st XV on a number of occasions, notably against Bath at the Rec and against a touring ‘New South Wales’ team from Australia.
When things went pear shaped in 1999 he remained totally committed to the club and as one of the more experienced players became a core member of the team led by Andy Cuthbert, who went on to win the record breaking 86 league games in a row as Richmond worked its way back up the leagues.
He gained well in excess of 100 1st XV Caps making 165 appearances for the First XV between 1999 and 2008, and was made a club Vice President in recognition of his service to the club, and of the respect that he was held within the club membership, and his team mates over the years.
He had a massive love of outside adventure sport especially snowboarding and cycling (in particular mountain biking) which he pursued with a passion after he retired from rugby, even after his diagnosis - which is a measure of the man.
In October 2016 he married his long time love Charlotte, with his family and all his many friends in support, and she is now expecting their child in June – who will hopefully bring some comfort and hope at such a bleak time.
Stewart epitomised everything that a Richmond player aspires to be and was a true Richmond man through and through. All those that he played with and all those supporters he thrilled on the field admired and respected him and enjoyed his company and somewhat anarchic sense of humour and fun in the bar afterwards. To have known him and played with him has been a privilege and he will always be remembered with the deepest affection and thanks by the club that he loved so well.
