A real gent & a true hero of mine. As a no.8 at schoolboy level, Ripley was THE inspiration - quick, direct and long hair. That run against Scotland from the kick off is watchable every time. His pace ( he was a schoolboy natonal chap 110m hurdler) and his high knee lift is unique. He was unfortunate to be arund at a time of outstanding Lions back row players. The fittest man on the planet, he almost made the Cambridge eight as a rower in his 50's. Warm and kind too, his end was very unfair.
In about 1984 I was playing a much lower XV match at Wasps at Sudbury, and all the teams, from the international stars down to us went back to the same clubhouse afterwards, drank the same beer,etc . Wasps 1st XV were playing Rosslyn Park, who were a strong club in those days with a clutch of England players including Andy Ripley who was a big star. He spent the evening rather than soaking up the adulation in the bar, chatting to a group of wheelchair bound supporters outside in the cold. Legend
Andy was a legend in Westbury Park, Bristol, way before he became famous, we all knew him. I went to Greenway, the same school as he did, when he was old enough to drive, if he saw me, (a little twerp, three years his junior) at the White Tree bus stop, he would always pull over and give me a lift,. Though our paths never crossed again, whenever he made news it always gave me a sense of pride to say I knew him. It was heart wrenching to hear of his passing.
I rememeber Ripley platying a county game on Tv his side (I think surrey?) had a penalty kick, and the touch judge gave it as a good kick but it went past the wrong side of the post, Ref gave it also, BUT Ripley as Capt ran half the length of the field to tell the Ref that it did not go between the posts...what a sportsman, can you see that today? A true Gent for fair play. I always remember that incident and it stuck with me.
Could not agree more with all these fine comments. I met him at a French campsite down the west coast in the mid 80's as a child when his young son wandered into our mobile home! Andy gave me his autograph and was a true gentleman. Such sad news - I also played against him at Cambridge in a Cuppers match - rower, rugby legend and a star. Those images when he received his award in May were so shocking but his brave spirit will always live on.
I remember Andy when he used to go to Harrow School gym with Roger Utley to train, What A Man, I was in Awe of him I could only ever manage a hello. When I saw his picture in the Mail in a wheel chair I went into my garage and cried I'm not a man who usually cry's but could not believe what that cancer did to him. I'm sure that his spirit was still as strong as his body ever was. RIP ANDY you will be missed by many.
I agree with gwynbach- we welsh have trouble with admitting there are any good english rugby players- andy was an inspiration to me when i was growing up. rip and best wishes to his family
I remember growing up as a teenager in the 70's when Wales very rarely lost to any of the home country's and boy, did we like to have a go at the English.
Very few English players stood out then apart from David "Dai" Duckham and of course Andy Ripley. Great player, great character and a great man.
Along with Ray gravell, Andy Ripley just seemed like the type of guy you would meet and come away feeling uplifted.
Will be sorely missed, my thoughts go out to his family. RIP Andy.
England could do with a rampaging no.8 like him now. RIP
iluvmusicqwe 2 months ago
A real gent & a true hero of mine. As a no.8 at schoolboy level, Ripley was THE inspiration - quick, direct and long hair. That run against Scotland from the kick off is watchable every time. His pace ( he was a schoolboy natonal chap 110m hurdler) and his high knee lift is unique. He was unfortunate to be arund at a time of outstanding Lions back row players. The fittest man on the planet, he almost made the Cambridge eight as a rower in his 50's. Warm and kind too, his end was very unfair.
Bondsmanuk01 10 months ago
In about 1984 I was playing a much lower XV match at Wasps at Sudbury, and all the teams, from the international stars down to us went back to the same clubhouse afterwards, drank the same beer,etc . Wasps 1st XV were playing Rosslyn Park, who were a strong club in those days with a clutch of England players including Andy Ripley who was a big star. He spent the evening rather than soaking up the adulation in the bar, chatting to a group of wheelchair bound supporters outside in the cold. Legend
berkojazz 1 year ago
rip andy
dunkitin2 1 year ago
Andy was a legend in Westbury Park, Bristol, way before he became famous, we all knew him. I went to Greenway, the same school as he did, when he was old enough to drive, if he saw me, (a little twerp, three years his junior) at the White Tree bus stop, he would always pull over and give me a lift,. Though our paths never crossed again, whenever he made news it always gave me a sense of pride to say I knew him. It was heart wrenching to hear of his passing.
mrfonganator 1 year ago
I rememeber Ripley platying a county game on Tv his side (I think surrey?) had a penalty kick, and the touch judge gave it as a good kick but it went past the wrong side of the post, Ref gave it also, BUT Ripley as Capt ran half the length of the field to tell the Ref that it did not go between the posts...what a sportsman, can you see that today? A true Gent for fair play. I always remember that incident and it stuck with me.
WELLBRAN 1 year ago
Could not agree more with all these fine comments. I met him at a French campsite down the west coast in the mid 80's as a child when his young son wandered into our mobile home! Andy gave me his autograph and was a true gentleman. Such sad news - I also played against him at Cambridge in a Cuppers match - rower, rugby legend and a star. Those images when he received his award in May were so shocking but his brave spirit will always live on.
Simon
Midders2008 1 year ago
RIP. A true legend in all respects.
pmorris1978 1 year ago
thanks for sharing these clips of Andy Ripley. He'll be greatly missed.
johnlholden 1 year ago
I remember Andy when he used to go to Harrow School gym with Roger Utley to train, What A Man, I was in Awe of him I could only ever manage a hello. When I saw his picture in the Mail in a wheel chair I went into my garage and cried I'm not a man who usually cry's but could not believe what that cancer did to him. I'm sure that his spirit was still as strong as his body ever was. RIP ANDY you will be missed by many.
kevingpotter 1 year ago
@kevingpotter - you're not the only one. Every time I think of him, the tears come to my eyes.
RickTransit 1 year ago
@RickTransit Could not agree more,and with Kevin too. What a MAN.
mikekingphoto 1 year ago
I agree with gwynbach- we welsh have trouble with admitting there are any good english rugby players- andy was an inspiration to me when i was growing up. rip and best wishes to his family
wildskel1 1 year ago
I remember growing up as a teenager in the 70's when Wales very rarely lost to any of the home country's and boy, did we like to have a go at the English.
Very few English players stood out then apart from David "Dai" Duckham and of course Andy Ripley. Great player, great character and a great man.
Along with Ray gravell, Andy Ripley just seemed like the type of guy you would meet and come away feeling uplifted.
Will be sorely missed, my thoughts go out to his family. RIP Andy.
gwynbach 1 year ago