Terry Pryor made an enormous contribution to Redruth Rugby for over 50 years and will forever be remembered as one of the clubs greatest legends not only leading the club to great success on the field but also mentoring many outstanding players.

Terry Pryor first played rugby at Tolgus School before going to Cornwall Technical College where he was capped by England Under 18 schools.

Terry went to study at London University before gaining teaching qualifications at Loughborough College.
Terry returned to Cornwall in 1970 initially teaching in St Austell and made his county championship debut in the in an international standard Cornwall front row alongside British Lion Stack Stevens (Father of Sam) and fellow Redruth School master Roger Harris (22 times on the bench for England).

In the 1970’s Terry played in the Reds pack with younger brother Roger, his playing career peaked in 1978 when he sat on the England bench for five nations internationals against Ireland and Scotland, he also appeared for the Barbarians against Northampton in the Mobbs Memorial match as well as against Swansea on the famous Barbarians Easter Tour. In the summer captained England B on their first tour to Romania.

While captaining Cornwall and the Reds, Terry turned to coaching initially with Redruth Colts producing Colts cup winning sides a string of players who wore the red shirt with distinction such as Graham Still, Brett Pedley, Nick Brokenshire, Phil Angove and David Penberthy.

As a coach Terry’s enormous drive, understanding and insight into the games technicalities turned the Reds fortunes around making them the leading side in the county and set the platform for the Reds great success in the 33 years of National League rugby. Assisted by Nick Brokenshire and Neil Craze Redruth won promotion in the first season of league rugby followed by an unbeaten league season that led to a second promotion when the Reds were mixing it with some of the biggest clubs in English Rugby. A measure of his achievement was that over half the Cornwall squad that won the famous final against Yorkshire at Twickenham were with the Reds.

Terry’s phenomenal contribution to Redruth Rugby was recognised when he was made a life member of the club, he also coached with great success at St Austell and Penryn before returning to assist Nigel Hambly for a spell when the Reds were in National division one.

Terry’s teaching career at Redruth School spanned over 40 years, teaching Geography and of course Sports. After his retirement Terry returned to the school and continued to pass on his rugby knowledge to further generations of rugby players.

Terry also enjoyed his Cricket, captaining Lanner seconds for many years, when he retired there were summer afternoons on the boundary at Trewirgie discussing the Reds prospects for the next season.

Terry supported the Reds to the end and could usually be found watching from the East Bank as the picture taken in this seasons match against Bury St.Edmunds shows.

RIP Terry Pryor, 73, a Reds legend and above all a gentleman.

Below just a couple of tributes to Terry:

Terry, was a well loved and respected man far and wide.
I’ve had the honour and privilege to play with him and being my captain at RRFC
His passion for rugby at the club and Redruth school goes unrivalled.
His life and achievements must be recognised when this terrible viral situation has passed.
R.I.P Terry
Essy – Nigel Eslick (Redruth RFC President)

Terry's passing, truly sad and very upsetting at this time.
He was a true legend, a Redruth person on and off the field and set goals for us all to try and follow, with his determination and dedication in doing what was best for the club.
Someone who I have always looked up to and tried to emulate, as for me he was the best the club has had.
When these times pass, feel we should do something to remember and honour him and his family, feel it will be very fitting.
Hammers – Nigel Hambly (Redruth RFC Director of Rugby)

Words by Ed Bawden and Alan Nettle