Derek East

Memories and Tributes

A man of quiet strength and immense durability, Derek East anchored the Gloucester scrum for over a decade with the same loyalty he gave to his community for forty-five years.

Derek East, 80, from Gloucester, known as Ego to many, was diagnosed with bowel cancer on April 2 this year, and heartbreakingly, he passed away on Saturday, June 7. While his family are still coming to terms with the loss of Mr East, they hold many treasured memories dear, of the born and bred Gloucester man whose family meant everything to him.

Mr East spent two seasons as a hooker with Gloucester rugby from 1967 to 1969 before then going on to play for Tredworth. When he decided to retire from the sport, he went on to coach the under 16’s which was a past time he would speak about with fond memories.

Mr East’s daughter, Mandy Vernon, 57, from Gloucester, said: “Dad passed away in June 7 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer on April 2. He died only three months after he was diagnosed and none of us can believe he has gone.

“He was a brilliant father and uncle to my cousins. He used to get all of us in the back of his van and take us out for the day. We would go out and about anywhere. He would take us up to Robinswood Hill, Stroud, the lido, anywhere he could as he loved to have the family around and was happiest when with us.

Life Timeline

Born in Gloucester, where he grew up immersed in the city's rich rugby culture.

1944: Born
Developed his craft in the local combination leagues, gaining a reputation as a hard-edged hooker who thrived in the "dark places" of the scrum.

1962: Local Rugby Development
Made his senior 1st XV debut for Gloucester RFC against Stroud. It was a testing introduction to senior rugby, but East quickly proved he had the temperament for the top flight.

1964: Gloucester Senior Debut
Became a regular fixture in the squad during a period when the front row was the engine room of the "Cherry and Whites" identity. He was known for his technical skill in the strike and his relentless work rate in the loose.

1966: Established First-Team Player
Remained a vital part of the senior setup during the lead-up to the club’s inaugural National Cup success. While competition for the starting hooker jersey was fierce, East’s consistency ensured he remained a frequent selection.

1970: Key Squad Contributor
Outside of rugby, Derek dedicated his life to public service. He worked for Gloucestershire County Council in the highways department for an incredible 45 years.

1970: Service Career Begins
Finished his Gloucester career with 135 appearances, a significant achievement in an era when squad rotation was rare and the physical toll on front-row players was immense.

1974: Total Appearances
Much like his rugby career, his professional life was defined by reliability; he was a man who ensured the county’s infrastructure remained functional, often working in difficult conditions throughout the winter months.

1985: Work Ethic
In his later years, Derek remained a dedicated supporter of Gloucester Rugby, frequently returning to Kingsholm to watch the next generation of front-rowers.

1990: Retirement
His legacy in local rugby continued through his son, Simon East, who became a well-known figure in the Gloucestershire rugby community as both a player and a coach.

1995: Rugby Heritage
Passed away peacefully at the age of 80.

2025: Peaceful Passing
Tributes poured in from former teammates and the wider Gloucester community, describing him as a "true gentleman" and a "hard-as-nails" competitor who never sought the limelight but always did his job.

2025: Community Tributes