FORMER London Irish chairman, David Fitzgerald, died following a battle with cancer on Saturday.

Fitzgerald, 55, was an instrumental member of the club for more than four decades, captaining London Irish for two seasons in the pre-professional era.

When his playing career ended, he became involved in coaching, developing an Under 6 group of boys into what is now the strongest U16 squad in the country.

The team has been crowned Surrey Champions in all but one season since U9, and this season, London Irish was the first club ever to have two Under 16 teams in the top two Surrey Divisions.

Fitzgerald was also heavily involved in the administrative side of the club, serving as chairman of the annual mini rugby festival for a number of years before becoming chairman of LIARFC from 2009 to 2015.

In 2012, Fitzgerald played a leading role in the negotiations that led to the takeover of the professional club and he is credited with guiding Exiles into their new home at Hazelwood.

After the takeover, David served as executive chairman of the professional club until last year, when he continued to serve as a director despite his ill health.

Throughout his tenure, Fitzgerald was held in the highest regard at all levels of the game.

In a statement, London Irish said: “David’s steadfast allegiance to the club, and to the game of rugby, will leave an enduring legacy at Sunbury from the U6s through to the professional squad. He was an inspiration to all his friends and to the boys he coached.”

Fitzgerald is survived by his wife, Sara, his son Thomas – who is a member of the U16 As – his daughter Francesca and son Robert.

A minute’s silence was held in Fitzgerald’s memory before the game against Exeter Chiefs.