NOEL SLATER, who has died at the age of 66, was a fine rugby union forward who will be remembered affectionately by all who knew him and played with him.

Born the second son of a Wirral headmaster Noel attended Birken-head School where he captained the rugby side through a unique unbeaten season in

1957. He went on to Oxford University where he won his Blue. Later he captained the Old Birkonian side and also Cheshire.

He developed a totally new concept for playing the game of sevens and his Birkonian side delighted the crowds at the popular Caldy Sevens where they gained winning honours. His team also went on to win the National Old Boys Sevens Cup in successive years.

Noel taught science at Birkenhead School after graduation and National Service. But he decided on a return to the Army in the Education Corps. He went on to captain the Army XV and was later manager and coach.

Noel is survived by sons Kim and Shane and his wife Stephanie. The funeral will be at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday.