Tony White, former St Mary’s OB captain and club legend, passed away at home on 16 January 2026 aged 78. With over 63 years with the club, he made significant contributions both on and off the field, following in the footsteps of his father Jack and brother John, all of whom wore the green and black with distinction.
As a number 10, Tony demonstrated exceptional skills with hand and feet. He was renowned for his tackling ability and possessed a powerful handoff. His dummies were masterful, often deceiving not just the opposition but also his own teammates. Jim Cooke recalls being flattened by an opposing centre who, convinced Tony had passed him the ball, apologised for making the tackle too early!

Condolences to Tonys wife Moira, Sarah, Tom, and Hannah.

Funeral arrangements
• Tuesday, 24 February
• 10:30 Funeral Service at Our Lady of Lourdes, Kingswood
• 12:00 Burial at Keynsham Cemetery (all welcome)
• 12:30 Return to St Mary’s Old Boys Trench Lane
No flowers please; donations to St Peter's Hospice Southwest or Teenage Cancer Trust.

Thanks to historian Mark Hoskins for sharing a forthcoming BFRP article on Tony’s time at Bristol and his role in SMOB's success during the 1970s and early 1980s.

From Mark Hoskins

Tony White

Tony White, who died in January, was an outstanding outside half for St Mary’s Old Boys who played three very successful matches for Bristol United in the 1971-72 season. He was the brother of John ‘Chalky’ White, one of the finest hookers in Bristol’s history.

Tony White played for St Mary’s Old Boys from the mid-1960s until the early 1980s and also represented Bristol Combination. He was chosen to captain St Mary’s in the 1970-71 season, but he was out of action with an injury for much of the time. Tony made his Bristol United debut on January 22nd 1972. The match was a home fixture against Somerset Police, but it was played at the Old Bristolians’ ground because Gloucestershire were involved in a County Championship quarter final at the Memorial Ground. The United won 34-12, and Tony scored a try on his debut. He partnered Ray Kays at half back, and the local press commented that “the ever-improving Ray Kays soon established an understanding with his new partner Tony White, who made a very promising debut.”

Tony’s next Bristol United game was at St Paul’s College, Cheltenham, on January 26th. Once again he scored a try, and he also dropped a goal in the United’s 31-9 victory. His third and final United appearance was at the Memorial Ground on March 11th when Harlequins Wanderers were defeated 24-7. He scored half his side’s points with three conversions and two penalties. Thus in three victorious appearances he scored a total of 23 points, made up of two tries, three conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

It is clear from the above statistics that Tony White was more than capable of forging a playing career at Bristol, but he chose to continue with St Mary’s. As Nick Evans has recently pointed out: “Many players back in the day preferred to play and show loyalty to their clubs, as against playing for the United. The level of rugby in the Bristol Combination in the 1960s and 1970s was very high. I know a number of lads who played first class rugby when they moved out of Bristol, especially in London and the Home Counties, and Tony was a prime example who could theoretically have played at a higher level by moving away from Bristol.” In 1973 it was stated in the local press that Tony had quit playing due to a persistent collarbone injury, but fortunately he recovered to continue with St Mary’s.

Nick Evans had first hand evidence of Tony’s ability when Avonmouth played St Mary’s in the 1976 Combination Cup final, as they were opposing outside halves on the night. Avonmouth were strong favourites as they were undefeated against Combination sides and had already won the Green ’Un Merit Table. But St Mary’s were deserved 9-3 winners, with Tony scoring all their points with two penalties and a drop goal. Tony tasted further Combination Cup success with St Mary’s in the 1978 final when Old Redcliffians were beaten 10-0, and in 1981 in a 7-3 victory over BAC. He partnered Tim Lane in both matches, and his brother John joined him in the 1978 game.

It was a pleasure to welcome Tony to our special reunion in 2022 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bristol’s great 1971-72 season. He was definitely one of the most significant players in the history of St Mary’s Old Boys.