After playing in an unbeaten Marlborough XV, James first wore the Richmond shirt in 1964. That same year he was selected for the annual England Schoolboys v Scotland Schoolboys fixture and was selected over Tony Bucknall who subsequently captained England.

Former Richmond, England and Lions player Chris Ralston writes: “James was one of the iconic members of Richmond. He was naughty, funny, caring and on top that, not a bad rugby player.”

James enjoyed several overseas tours with Richmond, when in his own words, he did not have to worry about his Father’s reputation. Sir Carl, who had played for Blackheath, was the ‘Recorder of the City of London', the Senior Judge at The Old Bailey, and had captained The Lions, after winning four blues at Cambridge, defeating Oxford on each occasion.

James was a regular Richmond First XV player, who was once dropped by Steve James. At the time the competition for a back-row place was fierce, with an England captain and South Africa captain both available for selection. This might have been the reason for James’ dislike of anything Welsh but it did not prevent him from asking Steve to be his best man.

James will be sorely missed but long remembered by his many friends at Richmond. Our heartfelt condolences are with James' wife Jilly, their three children and their families.

(Image attached: James Aarvold (left) with Steve James).