Leading referee Toft dies at age 79.

Brian Toft, a leading figure in the Oxfordshire Referees Society for more than 40 years, is no more. He has died at the age of 79. he played as a flanker for Sale before joining the Liverpool Society of Rugby Football Referees, finishing up in as an A List referee. On moving to Haddenham, near Thame in 1969, he joined the Oxfordshire Society of Rugby Football Referees. He remained an active member until his death.he moved from refereeing to becoming a national panel advisor during his 41 years association with Oxfordshire. In 2004 he chaired Oxfordshire RFU's governance and discipline committee. Two years later,he won Oxfordshire Sports Partnership volunteer-of-the-year award and he mentioned that as one of his proudest moments. Colin Baldwin, chairman of the Oxfordshire RFU, said: “Many of the players still playing the game and hundreds of those that have stopped playing, will remember him with warm affection. He also said “The Oxfordshire Committee members and I will definitely miss his dry sense of humour.” He leaves a widow, Grace, a daughter and two grandchildren. The funeral service for Mr Toft will be held at Christchurch, Upper High Street, Thame tomorrow (2.30pm).