CHINNOR Rugby Club stalwart and family man Tom Wood has died aged 37.

Tom Wood, who was brought up in Chinnor but was living most recently in Princes Risborough, Bucks, was involved in the club for more than 20 years.

He played for the first XV for six seasons, but his greatest achievement in the game was leading the second XV to the league title in 2006.

Mr Wood was described as a lively, good-humoured character by his close friends.

He organised numerous tours and recently arranged the club’s summer party to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Although he retired from playing for the second team a few years ago to allow him to spend more time with his wife Victoria and three-year-old daughter Anna, he was still very fit and active and friends say he had no previous health problems.

Club chairman Paul Fincken, who knew Mr Wood well, said: ”As a club we have lost a fine man who had given a lot to the game and on a personal level, I have lost a very good friend.

“He had a massive influence on the club and on the whole community as he was a big socialite.

“He was a big part of everything that went on round here.

“He was a top man and he touched an awful lot of people. He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Wood was born on July 29, 1976.

He married Victoria in 2007 and Anna was born in 2010.

Mr Wood died in the early hours of Saturday, November 2.

The cause of his death is not yet known and a post mortem examination is being undertaken.

His funeral took place in St Andrew’s Church in Chinnor and was followed by a celebration of his life at the club.

Mr Wood is survived by wife Victoria and daughter Anna.