By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby has lost another of its golden greats with the passing of former Vice-Captain and President Brian Holt at the age of 78 following a lengthy illness.
The all-action flanker was an important member of the great Coventry side that swept all before them in the 1960s and 70s while twice winning the newly-launched RFU Challenge Cup.
Brian made his Cov debut in 1968 shortly after leaving King Henry VIII School where he was a contemporary of a trio of Coventry and England greats in David Duckham, Peter Preece and Peter Rossborough.
He went on to score 27 tries during 177 outings in his club’s famous blue-and-white hoops before retiring a decade later. Perhaps the most memorable of his appearances came in Cov’s first cup final win over Bristol at the end of a 1972/73 season in which he played no fewer than 42 games.
After leaving Coundon Road Brian rounded off his playing days with a season at Nuneaton. He also represented Warwickshire on a regular basis during a spell when they enjoyed significant success in the County Championship.
Former teammate and great friend Simon Maisey remembers Brian as a fearless openside flanker who was a constant irritant to opponents.
He says: “Brian was one of those back-row forwards who revelled in the physical side of the game. He would usually be the first to fall on a loose ball despite the on-rush of the opposing pack who often trampled anyone in their way.
“I once went on tour with him for Solihull RFC. In the first game he got severely concussed and refused to go off which was typical of him. He was part of a very strong Coventry pack in a team which many considered the best in England at the time.”
After his playing days ended Brian maintained his connection with Cov as a supporter and sponsor in addition to serving a two-year term as Club President in 2003-4.
Away from rugby he enjoyed a successful career in the property industry, initially as part of the family firm Cartwright Holt, then after its sale to the Halifax Building Society as the founder of estate agency Brian Holt which is now owned by the Haart Group.
Simon remembers Brian as a thoughtful man who was a great friend to many.
“Brian went to Cambridge and was very intelligent,” he says.
“Getting an answer from him could sometimes be a slow process as he was very deliberate, but you knew it was worth waiting since when it eventually came it was always a well thought-out response.
“Brian took lessons to fly a helicopter, played golf at Coventry GC, was a great snow skier and an excellent tennis player. He was very kind and generous and a good friend who I will miss greatly.”
Brian leaves two daughters, two sons and four grandchildren in addition to brothers David, Peter and Bernard plus sister Mary.
Funeral details will follow.
