Following the elevation of Colin Silcock, our President since 1984, to Honorary Life President, the Clitheroe Rugby Club is delighted to announce Andrew "Tubber" Thornber as its new President.

Tubber started his Clitheroe playing career for the Maroon & Golds back in 1987 as a fresh-faced 16 year old and still now, he continues to don his boots each week to satisfy his Saturday afternoon passion of throwing a rugby ball around with his pals.

During his time at the club Tubber has filled many roles, including captain of both 2nd and 1st XVs and most significantly, Chairman for 20 consecutive seasons. It was during his tenure as club chair, working closely with past President Colin, that he did an outstanding job for the club in creating the wonderful setup we have today that is our purpose-built clubhouse and associated facilities.

Since stepping down as Chairman some 4 years ago, Tubber, along with supporting his wife Naomi in her charitable efforts for the East Lancashire Stroke Assistance & Support organisation (ELSAS) and driving his established and successful business, he has always found time to continue to remain an integral part of the club, playing most weeks, where possible alongside his brothers, watching his sons play across the age groups and turning out each Sunday as a junior rugby coach, such is his continuing commitment to rugby and the club.

In accepting the responsibility of the President role, in which he is essentially the figurehead of the club, Tubber responded, "I am extremely honoured (and was initially quite emotional..) to have been given the opportunity to officially serve CRUFC once again, this time as President. CRUFC, 'Our Club' as Bob has kindly explained, has been a major part of my life for over 30 years and I am sure will forever be very dear to my heart. The time is now right for the Club to once again have an active working President, though I cannot over emphasise how terribly sad we all are, that the totally unique and charismatic man I am to follow is not enjoying better health."

'Looking ahead, as I step into the titanic shoes of one of my first, real world heroes, I welcome the opportunity to hopefully continue Colin's good work and be a sounding board and enthusiastic aid to the hard working Chair, Committee and members. This great club has so much yet has so much more to achieve, as it builds on its strengths and values, not only as a successful sporting entity but also very much as a family orientated, community hub. An exciting journey for CRUFC, that I am genuinely touched to once again be a recognised working part of."

Tubber's passion for the rugby club, in his new role of President, will undoubtedly bring even further momentum to the continuing development of all aspects of the rugby club as it strives to serve its members and the community in which it sits.