STANLEY Francis, believed to be Bath Rugby Club’s oldest living player and now centenarian, has received a special 1865 Club legacy cap from the club as part of his milestone 100th birthday celebrations.

Stanley, who made his debut for the Blue, Black and White in 1951, was presented with an embroidered heritage cap featuring his unique Bath Rugby legacy number #1816, as part of a heartwarming celebration to mark his contributions to the club’s rich history.

Surrounded by his family and friends there were no rucks or mauls in sight when the cap was presented to Stanley by Club President and former captain, John Hall, along with current Bath Rugby and England player, Tom Dunn, at the Larkhall Springs Nursing Home.

Stanley Francis said: “It was a fabulous honour to receive my legacy cap from the club - something I couldn’t have dreamt of and I thank Bath Rugby. I am very proud and to be here with my family makes it very special. I loved playing rugby, especially the camaraderie amongst my teammates which is what I enjoyed most.”

Every player to have represented the Blue, Black and White’s senior team in a competitive fixture is granted a designated cap and legacy number. Stanley made a handful of appearances for the club and was also a former pupil at Oldfield School in Bath, having been capped by England schoolboys in 1939.

He now joins his late elder brother and fellow recipient of a legacy cap, Jack, who made his debut in 1949 and has the cap number #1785.

John Hall, Club President and former player, said: “We are incredibly proud to honour Stan with this special legacy cap, celebrating not only him and his family’s remarkable contributions to the club, but also Bath Rugby’s deep and illustrious history.