Yorkshire RFU

Dave Blong

It is with great sadness we learnt of the passing of Dave Blong.

Known to many as Mr Leeds Corinthians, Dave was a stalwart of the club for over 35 yrs, joining the club at 35 yr. old when his son Phil started playing and although he never actually played himself, he soon started helping and assisting the coaches.

He eventually went on to coach every age group at the club both boys and girls.
He was still coaching until his 70’s.
When parents couldn’t or wouldn’t take the kids to the club Dave would drive round and pick them all up and drop them off again after training or a match.
He always kept a supply of kit and boots for those children who didn’t have them.

He was the first non-playing President of the club from 1994-1996.
In 2015 he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for services to sport.
In 2019 he was awarded an Inner South Leeds Community Heroes award for his outstanding service in community sport in Leeds.

Dave served for many years on the Yorkshire Age Grade committee as the district rep for Central Yorkshire, he was a very active and respected member of the committee and a pleasure to work with.
He will be sorely missed by many in the rugby fraternity.

Dave is survived by his wife Susan and children Phillip and Louise to whom we offer our most sincere condolences.

Funeral arrangements to follow.