SALISBURY Rugby Club (SRFC) has expressed its shock and sadness following the death of a long-standing club member.

Mark Parrott, known to many as Carrot, sadly passed away on Monday (September 15).

Dave Murley, who was president and chairman of the club from 2008 to 2011, said Mark was dealing with an illness and the club is sending its “deepest love” to Mark’s family at this difficult time.

“While Carrot had been unwell, he’d recently said he was on the road to recovery, so this has come as a huge shock to us all,” Dave said.

“Carrot was Salisbury Rugby Club through and through. A committed and endlessly dependable player, he proudly represented the club across the 1st XV and the legendary Stones XV.

“In fact, he often (and rightly) boasted that he’d played in every position at senior level for SRFC – the mark of someone who always put the club first.

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“He was a true stalwart – someone you could always count on. Many will remember his familiar ‘yes‘ on a Friday night, stepping in with no fuss for a tough away game in the Forest of Dean or wherever the team (often 1st XV) needed him.“

Dave said Mark made 249 appearances for Salisbury, but said the true number is almost certainly higher.

“Carrot was also half of the iconic touring duo, Carrot and Anton – fixtures of the historic Stones tours over the years,” he added.

“Always up for a laugh, always ever present, and almost always one of the last men standing at the bar!“

Mark joined up with a group of ex-players to tour the European Rugby Champions Cup finals – travelling to cities like Marseille, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.

“Whether acting as fines master and weights and measures man, Carrot could be relied upon to add a unique and hilarious flavour to proceedings – usually armed with a truly unpleasant drink for those being fined,” Dave said.

“In recent years, Carrot became a devoted Junior rugby parent, always giving his time generously and wholeheartedly. Like so many dedicated rugby parents, he spent countless hours on the side-lines, travelling to and supporting junior games and was very proud of both son’s achievements.

“There are many memories – and they all paint a picture of a brilliant, funny, loyal, and much-loved man. Carrot truly was one of the good blokes, and his absence will be deeply felt across the entire club.

“We know many of you will want to join us in sending our deepest love, thoughts, and condolences to Karen, Sid and Alf at what is an unimaginably difficult time.“