ENGLAND legend Sir Bill Beaumont has led tributes to a North-East “giant of a man” who inspired countless young rugby players.

Sir Bill, former England captain and the Chairman of World Rugby, is among an army of admirers who have spoken of their sadness following the death of Fergus King after a 10-month battle with cancer.

Fergus became President of both Durham City Rugby Club and Durham University Rugby Club after a playing career as a second row forward for Durham City and West Hartlepool.

By far his greatest legacy was his impact as a coach and, two years ago, he was presented with the prestigious Vaughan Parry Williams Award for his national contribution to student rugby.

Fergus, who lived at Willington throughout his life, spent more than 40 years working for the body that became the Environment Agency and was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to rugby and the environment.

Speaking from Spain, Sir Bill said: “Fergus was what the sport is all about. He was willing to put in a huge amount of time and passion for community rugby, and he will be sorely missed.”

Friend Steven Colwell, chairman and coach of Bishop Auckland Rugby Club, added: “He was a great man. He took his treatment on the chin. It was an awful road, but he didn’t grumble. Towards the end, he was still focusing on rugby, despite the realities ahead.”

Fergus, who was 73, leaves his devoted wife, Dianne; two daughters, Sarah and Caroline; and three grandchildren.

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