Jon very sadly died suddenly on Thursday 18th January 2024 and leaves behind a huge
legacy having spent an immeasurable amount of time dedicated to the game of Rugby
Football during his 76 years.
He was a Club man first and foremost, joining Bracknell RFC in 1972. He played as hooker
until a shoulder injury curtailed his on-field activity, but he went onto to excel off the field
holding numerous roles including being President for an unprecedented 36 years. His efforts,
along with many others, in no small way have made the Club as successful as it is today.
Jon was also “Mr Berkshire” for many years, serving on the Berkshire Committee since 1977
in multiple roles including Team Manager, Competitions Chair, County Treasurer for 10
years (1982-92), President (1992-94) before becoming Berkshire Representative on the RFU
Council (1994 – 2013). His knowledge of regulation was unequalled and he was still Chair
of the Berkshire Disciplinary Committee at his untimely passing. He also re-wrote,
along with Peter Ringrow, the Berkshire RFU Constitution in 2002, which modernised the
way Berkshire RFU operated and made it more accountable to its member Clubs. The
Berkshire Trust Fund, which loans money to Clubs for capital projects, was also the
brainchild of Messers Dance & Ringrow and continues to be available to County Clubs today.
Andy Lynch – Berkshire RFU Chair said,“ All involved with Berkshire RFU, now and in the past, owe Jon a debt of gratitude for his advice and guidance. I first met Jon in the early 80’s and he has remained a friend and mentor over all the years I have known him. He will be sadly missed by many”.
When the English Clubs Championships were set up in 1987, Jon along with his great friend
Tony Boyer, were instrumental in looking after the interest of Berkshire Clubs and he became
a member of the South West Divisional Organising Committee in 1993. His in depth
knowledge of Competitions saw him at the forefront of the organisation and he remained an
active League Secretary and member of the BBO Committee up until his death.
Jon rose through the ranks of the RFU Council very quickly when he joined in 1994, he was
appointed to the Management Board of the RFU within 12 months and soon became an
integral part of the organisation. Again, he held multiple positions, Chair of Competitions,
RFU Legal Officer, Finance, Pensions, International Tickets, represented the RFU on the Six
Nations, FIRA (now Rugby Europe), ERC, IRB (now World Rugby) and was a member of the
successful RWC 2015 bid team. His term of office culminated in becoming RFU President in
Season 2014-15, chairing the RFU Council with his inimitable style & wit.
There simply will never be another Jonathan Dance, and he will be sadly missed by his wide
circle of friends, both in and out of the game, and our sincere condolences go to his Wife
Mary, his children Nick, Katie, Mark and Ister and the rest of the family.
RIP Jon
