Ruari O’Shea was tragically taken from us in the fall of 2016. Ruari was the definition of what it meant to be a true ‘club man’, and was part of the two National Championship squads in 2006 & 2007. Ruari was not always in the starting XV but he sure made his presence known. A fierce competitor, Ruari always held his teammates to the highest standard and pushed them to be excellent. He was quick to make friends with new members of the squad and always turned up to training with a huge smile and positive mindset, no matter how cold or wet it was outside. Ruari was tough as nails on the pitch and the best friend that you could ask for off the pitch.
Ruari was incredibly proud to be part of the Bentley Rugby family. When he was studying in Hong Kong, he made sure to always wear his Bentley gear to trainings and games to represent the Falcons abroad. Ruari was someone who helped to cement the team-first culture that we pride ourselves on as Bentley ruggers. During social events, particularly during rugby songs, you could always count on Ruari being in the middle of the action belting out lyrics with a huge smile. Ruari embraced his Irish roots and we all have shared a Guinness and Jameson with him over many laughs. Ruari’s outgoing personality and love for his teammates was infectious. He always made everybody laugh until they cried and we are all better men for having had Ruari in our lives. This award ensures that Ruari’s legacy will be cemented in Bentley Rugby’s history.
