If you were a youngster looking to play rugby at Tring, in the 80s, it is likely one of the first people you would speak to was Niels. One of the most jovial, funny and caring men you will ever meet.

When I played for Tring Colts, Niels was the man, along with Frank Campbell who drove us to all the away games, took us for training, taught us how to behave ….and taught us to drink some foul Danish liquor. To many of us Niels was the father of Tring Rugby, a man we would all respect and look up to.

As well as running the colts for a number of years, Niels also started up the 5th team and for some fixtures we had a 6th team. Niels would drag players from everywhere to play for him to form a 5ths that would go onto be successful in nurturing players for higher honours, helping recently returning injured players, new players and old players having a last hurrah. Everyone was invited, everyone played , everyone enjoyed themselves. This was because of Niels.

I remember his sons Marcus, Simon and Chris running around the clubhouse as kids. Tring rugby was Niels second home and the kids loved it.

It is to the boys and wife Sue, that Tring Rugby Club send our condolences.

Niels will never be forgotten.

John Ball
Former Tring Colt
Former 5th Team Player