In Memoriam: Commander Peter "Beasty" Williams Royal Navy

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Commander Peter "Beasty" Williams, who crossed the bar last month surrounded by his loved ones. A stalwart of Navy Rugby, Beasty's contributions to the rugby and the RNRU have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Beasty's association with Navy Rugby began in 1992, and over the decades, he became a cornerstone of the community. As a player, he represented several establishments with pride and passion, including Britannia Royal Naval College, HMS Sultan, and HMS Collingwood. His talent and commitment also saw him don the jerseys of United Services Portsmouth and the Mariners, where his presence on the field was as formidable as his excellence as a person off it.

After his playing days, Beasty's dedication to the sport continued through coaching. He guided teams at HMS Sultan, the Eastern Region, and HMNB Portsmouth, sharing his wealth of knowledge and inspiring countless players to reach their potential. His leadership extended to the wider Navy Rugby community when he took on the role of Director of Community Rugby, a position he held with distinction prior to and during the challenging times of the pandemic. His tenure in this role was marked by his unwavering commitment to the development of rugby within the Royal Navy, ensuring the sport remained a unifying force even in the most difficult circumstances. He handed over the reins to Jane West in 2021, leaving behind a catalogue of successes.

Beasty's impact on Navy Rugby was not limited to his technical expertise or strategic vision; it was his infectious enthusiasm, his ability to bring people together, and his genuine love for the game that truly set him apart. He was a mentor, a teammate, and a friend to so many, and his loss will be deeply felt across the Navy Rugby family and beyond.

Former RNRU Rugby Development Officer (RDO) Ady Cherrington who worked with Beasty in the community game said, "Beasty was a massive part of the community rugby scene. He was always there to back the team of me, Dave Wakefield and Spider Kelly, as his RDO and Community Rugby Coaches to help drive our initiatives forward. He really got what we were trying to achieve and played a big role in making it happen.

Beasty was the kind of person who’d throw his weight behind anything that brought people together—events, competitions and festivals. He was all about creating that 'community as family' approach, making sure everyone felt included and connected.

What stood out most about Beasty was his passion for grassroots rugby. He genuinely believed it was just as important as the representative game, and he worked tirelessly to make sure it got the recognition it deserved.

Beasty wasn’t just an advocate for community rugby—he was its very essence. He wanted to see it thrive, and he made sure everyone around him felt the same way."

Most recently, during his time at the Defence Academy, he played a pivotal role in the life of the rugby club, dedicating himself to its success both on and off the field. His passion for the sport was evident not only in his commitment to running and coaching the team but also in his efforts to mentor and develop the next generation of coaches, ensuring the club's continued growth and success for years to come.

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Beasty's contribution to Navy Rugby, particularly in the community area, has been instrumental in shaping the development of the game within the Royal Navy. His legacy will live on in the players he coached, the teams he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. 

We heartily encourage all who knew him to raise a glass in his memory and to share stories of the man who gave so much to the sport and the community he loved.

Our deepest condolences to Beasty’s wife Jane and their children, Jonathan and Stevie. Fair winds and following seas, Beasty. You will be sorely missed, but you will forever be a part of Navy Rugby.

Beasty’s funeral will take place 25 Jul 25 at the Oaks Crematorium, Barton Road, Havant, PO9 5NA, at 1300. The family has extended an invitation to all attendees for a wake on completion of the service at Havant Rugby Club, Fraser Road, PO9 3EJ.

Dress for officers and ratings/ other ranks 1B with medals, negative swords. Mourning bands are not to be worn.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested charity donations to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).