Simon Clarke (OK Ex-Staff)

Clarke (d. 13 October 2017) displayed burgening sporting talents early on which he developed further at Alleyn Court Prep School and Wellington College. He won a place to read history at Downing College, Cambridge. Before he began his studies he did his National Service in the Royal Marines.

At Cambridge he excelled at every ball sport he tried. He represented the university at cricket, played county level hockey and squash and quickly achieved a single-figure handicap at golf. In 1962 he found his true sporting vocation when he was selected for the Varsity rugby match where he made such an impression that he was fast-tracked into the final England trials. He was influential in the Calcutta Cup against Scotland in 1963 where England secured a 10-8 victory and clinched the Five Nations championship. Clarke played his last international against Scotland in March 1965 in the presence of the Queen, having won thirteen caps, nine of them in Five and Six Nations matches. Clarke became an adviser with the careers organisation Inspiring Futures and later a mentor at King’s. He remained closely involved with rugby, staying in touch with many of his old team-mates.

Clarke married Liz Thomas, a Welsh artist. The couple had two daughters and after spending 18 months in Yokohama they returned to Wimbledon. There he did sales and marketing work for various firms. Liz died of breast cancer in 1977. Clarke later re-married to Nicky Delmar-Morgan.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sophie and Rosie, and by his stepchildren, Frances and Piers.