The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is mourning the loss of Rob Shaw, who passed away on Sunday.

Chief executive officer Mike Roger says Rob was a passionate rugby fan and supporter all his life.

Rob received the ultimate recognition from Bay of Plenty Rugby, when he was awarded Life Membership of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in recent years.

Mike says he was known as the driving force of Tai Mitchell primary school rugby for over fifty years and was still at the helm as manager of the Whakatane team at the 2012 Tai Mitchell tournament, held in Te Puke just a few weeks ago.

'The fantastic commitment that Rob has given to the Tai Mitchell tournament, was recognised with the presentation of the Rob Shaw trophy, given to the fourth placed side each season.

'It was not in junior rugby that Rob continued his love of the game, being a long time and life member of the Taneatua Rugby club and a long time member of the Bay of Plenty Wasps Rugby Club.”

Mike says in earlier years, Rob was the Bay of Plenty Primary School delegate to the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

'Rest in Peace Rob Shaw, you will be a huge loss to the Bay of Plenty Rugby community.”