Folkestone Rugby Club in Kent is mourning the loss of longtime coach and member Don Turner, who passed away recently after more than 50 years with the organisation. The club announced his death on 9 February 2026.
Mr Turner began coaching mini and youth rugby in 1972 and joined Folkestone Rugby Club in 1977, starting to coach the club’s minis soon after. He was a key figure in building the club’s youth and mini-rugby programmes and mentored many young players who later moved on to senior and county levels.
In 1998, the Society of Kent Rugby Coaches gave him a special award for his services to youth rugby. According to the club’s official history, he was a dedicated volunteer who also served as a coach for the Kent Development Squad.
The club is expected to hold a minute’s silence and is currently looking into memorial fundraising to honour his memory. The announcement has prompted tributes from residents, club members and people across the Kent rugby community, who have praised his work as a pioneer for junior rugby in the Southeast.
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