Billy passed away peacefully on 30th December aged 91, having moved into a residential care home last year, he recently contracted Covid-19 and was being treated in hospital.

As a founder member of Ponteland Rugby Club, Billy was known by many within local circles as ‘Mr Ponteland’.

Many former players will hold fond memories of Billy - whether it was his converted ambulance picking them up from all over Newcastle to play rugby for Ponteland, his 'magic' sponge during games or his ‘magic’ coffee after games !

Billy played on the wing in Ponteland Rugby Club’s first ever game on 9th September 1967 against Winlaton 3rds. He was instrumental in developing a succession of strong Colts teams in the early 1970s culminating in the all conquering ‘Class of 1975’ winning the County Colts Cup.

Throughout the years, Billy took on numerous roles within the Club but his predominant role was that of a father figure, of someone who would always be there for you in times of need and never take a backward step in the face any challenges set before him.
Over the last 20 twenty years, the two Ponteland Middle Schools have regularly played rugby matches against each other for the Bill Snaith trophy and Billy was always there to present the trophy and offer words of advice to the players.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s daughters, Susan and Judith, and their families.

RIP T W Snaith