‘I will be forever grateful’: Rugby community mourns beloved coach Richard Curtin

The Griffith University Colleges Knights Rugby Union club have announced the passing of popular junior coach Richard Curtin.

Griffith Uni Knights junior coach Richard Curtin has passed away. Picture: Griffith Uni Knights

The Griffith University Colleges Knights Rugby Union club have announced the passing of popular junior coach Richard Curtin.

Curtin was a faithful servant of local rugby with the Surfers Paradise Rugby Club before the Knights, whose under-16 team he coached to the 2018 club premiership.

Amanda Curtin said Richard was passionate about making a difference in the lives of the players under his care.

Griffith Uni Knights junior coach Richard Curtin has passed away. Picture: Griffith Uni Knights

“Richard loved rugby and he loved the Knights,” she said.

“He loved his boys and was disappointed earlier this year when his health prevented him from coaching anymore.

“Thank you Griffith Uni Knights for welcoming us all into your family.”

Parents of players coached by Curtin expressed their sympathies and thanks for the role he played in their children’s lives.

“Such a good bloke and gone too soon,” Sheenz Paruru said.

“Thanks for all you did for my boy, Rich.

“My family and I will never forget it. Rest In Paradise.”

Trieste Bobby Whatuira echoed those sentiments.

“Such sad news... Thanks for everything you did for my son.

“His passion for rugby enhanced when you came into his life as his Coach and for that I will be forever grateful.

“RIL (Rest In Love) Richard.”

The Knights dedicated their 2020 multicultural day event on August 29 to fundraising for the Curtin family but Richard was unable to attend after his condition deteriorated.

He passed away on Wednesday night.

More to come.