Academy Rugby Football Club

The President, Committee and Members of Academy Rugby Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed Past Captain and President, David Haslett.

David’s association with Academy RFC spanned more than five decades. Having joined the club in 1970, he became one of our most respected figures, serving as a player, captain, coach, mentor, committee member and President.

He captained Belfast Royal Academy Former Pupils RFC during the 1972–73 season and later served as President of Academy RFC in 2009–10.

His contribution to Academy RFC was immense, but his influence extended far beyond our club.

A proud former pupil of Belfast Royal Academy, David attended BRA from 1959 to 1966, where he was both Head Boy and Captain of the 1st XV.

Following his studies at Queen’s University Belfast, David embarked upon a teaching career at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He spent his entire professional career at Inst, retiring in 2007 as Head of Geography.

Alongside his academic duties, he became one of the most influential schoolboy rugby coaches of his generation, serving as Master-in-Charge of Rugby from 1991 to 2007. His passion for player development and his deep understanding of the game earned him recognition throughout Ulster and Ireland.

David enjoyed a distinguished coaching career at club, schools, provincial and international level. He coached Academy RFC in the Ulster Senior League and also enjoyed success with Dungannon RFC in the All-Ireland League. At representative level, he coached both Ulster and Irish Schools.

In 1997–98, David served as coach of Ulster and was also part of the Ireland A coaching set-up. He further represented Irish Rugby as Assistant Coach of the Ireland Development Squad on their tour of New Zealand. From 2000 to 2005, he served as Manager of the Ireland Under-21 squad, continuing his commitment to the development of young players at the highest level.

Countless players who went on to represent their schools, clubs, province and country benefited from David’s guidance, encouragement and wisdom.

David was also a distinguished historian of the game. His passion for rugby was captured in his writings on the history of rugby at Inst, preserving the stories, traditions and characters that shaped generations of players.

Throughout his life, David remained a proud Academy man and a steadfast supporter of Academy RFC. He was a familiar and welcome presence around the club, always generous with his time, knowledge and encouragement of aspiring coaches.

On behalf of everyone at Academy RFC, we extend our deepest sympathies to Shirley, Rachel, Michael and the wider Haslett family circle.