Owen Farrell makes surprise call to poorly Bognor president

England captain Owen Farrell in action against Wales - days earlier he had taken time to make a surprise call to Bognor RFC's Phil Mead

Bognor RFC’s long-serving president received a wonderful surprise when he received a telephone call from England captain Owen Farrell during his team's preparations to face Wales in the Six Nations.

Farrell, who is closing in on a century of caps for England and the British and Irish Lions, took time out from a hectic schedule to enjoy a lengthy conversation with Phil Mead, who is at home suffering from a terminal illness.

Phil joined the club in 1968 and took over as chairman the following year before becoming president in 1987. Among his many proud achievements is the fact he set up the mini-rugby section in the mid-1970s and laid the foundations for its development into the successful entity that it is today.

Being a fair-minded man Phil has pointed out that, in the build-up to the Wales-England game he also received a call from another well-wishing ex-international player, Roy Bergiers of Wales and the British and Irish Lions, another indication of the level of esteem in which Phil is held throughout the rugby world.

Bognor Rugby Club said they would like to wish Phil, Wendy and their family their love and support during this challenging period of their lives.