Bob was an unsung hero within the grassroots game and an honour to serve on the same board as him. Words cannot describe how sad his passing makes me feel, goodbye my friend…
Steve Partridge
Actonians Chair

Please see attached the statement from Andrew Smart..

It is with the greatest sadness that we must inform you of the death of our friend and colleague Bob Lawless who died today 28th June 2026 of a heart attack as he walked with his wife around RHS Wisley.
He was a wonderful passionate supporter of all rugby in Middlesex and beyond. His reach was extraordinarily and he made such a difference to so many lives and clubs both in and outside MiddlesexAn inspirational President of his county in his time from 2018-20 who even after he had completed his term in office continued to provide outstanding service to his County and its clubs. In whatever he did he always looked to make a significant contribution
For those of you who read our newsletter you would have known that he was the current vice-chair of the County, and the Chairs of both Coaching and Referee Development. On top of that he was the Middlesex Representative on the L&SE Regional Organising Committee and a level 7 league secretary for Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex
He could be found every weekend across the season on a touchline somewhere supporting local rugby, whether it was Friday Night Under Lights, a Community Game on a Saturday or watching his beloved U20s across the London and SE Region.
Perhaps Eddie Keal our Chairman summed Bob up as well as any
“I have no words to express my sadness. Bob was the finest person I have ever met in rugby. Utterly selfless, endlessly giving and a true friend.”
A proud and committed family man our thoughts are with all those who loved him at this desperate time
Only seventy-three, for me his loss to the game locally is immeasurable
A true friend with whom I had the very greatest respect and admiration who is already very sadly missed
Andrew Smart
President Middlesex Rugby