Vale Jim Davis – Former Rugby News Owner and Publisher

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of former Rugby News owner and publisher Jim Davis over the holiday period.

Jim took over Rugby News following the passing of close friend Eric Spilsted in 2004, whom he had assisted with Rugby News for many years prior. Jim had worked in advertising and marketing for many years, and through an incredibly challenging period for print media, Jim and the team poured a huge amount in to producing the Rugby News publication each week.

In the mid 2000s, he had the foresight to create the Rugby News website, which was crucial to the survival of the business.

Jim, along with Eric previously, is the primary reason the publication remains in existence today and was able to celebrate its’ 100th anniversary last year.

The past few years weren’t overly kind to Jim, as he had been battling health issues for some time. Despite that, in December he celebrated his 80th birthday with family in Sydney. He passed away in hospital on December 30th, 2022.

Thank you Jim for your passion and monumental contribution to grassroots rugby and Rugby News!

*A memorial is scheduled for Wednesday 8th February at 1:00pm at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, North Sydney.

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