The remarkable life and career of Micky Steele-Bodger has reached another landmark this month as he celebrates 25 years as President of the Barbarian Football Club. He was already the longest-serving of the Club’s six presidents since 1913.
Micky Steele-Bodger has served on the Club’s committee since January 1947 – another record – when his administrative role overlapped with his playing career. In the same month he helped England beat Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in the first post-war international match and he went on to gain nine consecutive caps before a cruel knee injury ended his playing days at the age of 25. He also captained Cambridge University and his 13 appearances for the Barbarians included the opening try of the Club’s historic match against Australia in 1948.
His dynamic contribution as a wing-forward on the pitch was replaced by his equally effective and productive profile as a committeeman, selector and administrator off it. Over the years he became an England and Lions’ selector, the President of the Rugby Football Union, the manager of England touring teams on their earliest overseas’ tours, and the chairman of the International Rugby Board. He has also been president of his local club, Tamworth RFC., since 1952.
On 2 February 1988 he succeeded Herbert Waddell as President of the Barbarians and at the age of 87 continues to be the highly-respected public figure of the world-famous touring club.
