Our community is united in grief today, as we share the sad news of the
passing of a true legend and ambassador of ODRFC.
Phil Ubee was, and remains, the very heartbeat of our club and
represents everything that’s good about us, and indeed about the game
itself. As player, leader, choirmaster, tourist, friend, mentor, and proud
dad, he led us and inspired us for over 50 years.
A class act on the field of play, he was technically excellent, with an
innate ability to read the game and open defences with innovative
attacking play. His legendary accuracy with the boot, both from hand and
tee, controlled endless games, and delivered a phenomenal legacy of
points records that stand to this day.
In later years, as head coach, he inspired and guided a new generation
of OD players. In the clubhouse, never moreso than on tour in his
beloved Cornwall, it was Phil everyone looked to – to rally the troops,
organise the old timers, encourage the youngsters, embrace the
opposition, and lead a song – all with unwavering class, commitment
and passion. Quite simply, your day was infinitely better with Phil around.
Phil’s valiant battle with MND only served to illustrate yet again the same
elegant strength and selfless resolve that he showed down the years in
everything he did. The past few months have been increasingly hard,
but, as always, borne gracefully and with an enduring smile. With
undiminished dignity, he died on Saturday evening with his loving family
close by his side.
We’ll miss Phil immensely and will always honour his memory. All ODs
stand together with Jo, Mike, and Lily, alongside Phil’s wider family and
many friends, and the whole rugby community, at this difficult time.
May he rest easy.

Funeral details will be advised in due course.