IAN Duncan was a dear friend and a great champion of Redingensians and Rams Rugby.

I am lucky to count my friendship with Ian to be longer than most.

It was the quietly spoken Roger Batchelor who introduced him to Redingensians in the summer of 1973.

That was some 53 years ago.

And I could never have imagined what a great asset he would become for the club.

What an incredible, long-lasting friendship was about to begin.

Ian and I went on to form a close and lasting bond as he soon made his way into the first team.

Such bonds are not unusual between sporting teammates, but between front-row forwards they always seem to be something special.

So it was to prove between myself and Ian.

Of course, while a special relationship was developing, “The special one” was Ian.

He was a man who over the years touched so many in his sporting and wider circle of friends, and I was privileged to be one of the many.

So much more will be spoken and written, but I will leave you now with your thoughts and treasured memories.

So walked a man admired by the many, emulated by the few.

Rest in peace, dear friend.