Harrogate RUFC recently learnt of the sad passing of Ericson Atkins.
Ericson uniquely played for Harrogate in three winning Yorkshire Cup Finals, the first being the win against Morley at Otley in 1981, and two more in 1991 and 1992. Only a few weeks ago he was present at the Yorkshire Cup Reunion lunch held at William and Victoria in Harrogate. The memorial service details etc are given at the bottom of this tribute.

His friend Matthew Haley sent me this biography of Ericson:

Ericsson Atkins who for 20 years lit up the representative world of military and club rugby, especially in Yorkshire, sadly lost his final game against a prolonged battle with Cancer. Ericson Atkins made his own stories on the field of play, an phenomenal athlete, ahead of his time.

Ericsson first played school rugby at Kingsbury County Grammar school, represented Middlesex schools and played at Old Kingsburians.

He joined the Army in 1975, and in 1976 being posted to RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong; it was the start of a long career in representative rugby. Hong Kong U20 v Canada, & for the British Forces Hong Kong.

From 1978 - 81 Eric was part of the permanent staff at the Army Apprentices College, Harrogate. On this rugby journey Eric played for Yorkshire. As well as playing for the Royal Corps of Signals, Army & Combined Services, he would also play club rugby at Harrogate, at which time Harrogate would win the Yorkshire cup in 1981.

In 1981 a posting to Germany followed at 7 Signal Regiment. 3 years playing for BAOR, would be topped off with the Army Major Units cup win in 1984.

Returning to England club rugby was played at Ashford RUFC, trips up to Harrogate RUFC, and the regular turn outs for the his Corps, Army & Combined Services. Fun representation was for the Public School Wanderers.

In 1986, a posting to 30 Signal Regiment in Blandford saw club games at Salisbury RUFC, some trips back North at Harrogate RUFC, representative rugby for Dorset & Wilts, Yorkshire, as well as a constant calling for the Army and Royal Signals.

1988, Sig Atkins toured New Zealand for the Combined Services and British Police.

A second tour of the AAC at Harrogate from 1989-1992, would see Eric's continuance of appearances for the Army and Combined Services, and when he had time, the Royal Signals. Club rugby was ever the case for Ericsson at Harrogate with yet another Yorkshire cup win in 1991 and 1992.

Throughout this time Eric would continue to represent Yorkshire and appeared in the 1991 County final against Cornwall.

From 1992-95 Eric's final posting was to 2 Signal Regiment at York, with honours of the Army 7's Champions, and losing in the Major units final to 7RHA in 1995.

Upon leaving the Army in 1995, Mr Atkins continued to play for Harrogate, then for a while at York Railway Institute and Yorkshire Police.

Once the boots were hung up, Eric's give back consisted of coaching at Harrogate, York and Blandford

Ericsons wife Zoe sent us the following details:

It is with great sadness that Zoe announces the passing of her much loved Husband Ericson Atkins.
Ericson passed away peacefully on the 17th of December 2024 after a 3 year battle with MND and advanced prostate cancer.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather etc.... and loyal friend.

A celebration of Ericsons life will be held at the John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme Rd, Near Mansfield, NG19 8LL on Friday 3rd January at 11.00 am where everyone who knew him are welcome to join the family to pay their respects and share their stories of this much loved man.

Just to clarify - the service is at 11 and the celebrations of Ericsons life will follow and will take place at the same venue - everyone welcome , no dress code, some of his friends are wearing rugby shirts, some bright ties , whatever you feel comfortable in. Just come and honour this great man's life. Zoe Atkins

Now free of pain and safe from harm xx