It was with much sadness that the Club learnt of Malcom Smith’s death at home on Saturday 11th April 2026 at the age of 80 years, after a short illness suffering from bone cancer. Malcolm was better known to his friends as Max and was born on 16th November 1945 in Dewsbury Hospital and continued to live in Wakefield and District for the majority of his life and attended Snapethorpe Secondary Modern School. Upon leaving school at 16 in 1961 he took up an apprenticeship with the National Coal Board to train as an electrician. Once qualified he moved to work initially with the Wakefield Prison but later took up employment as Chief Engineer with Asda Manufacturing in Outwood principally in the meat processing plant for many years. Subsequently he was employed at other similar plants in the Yorkshire district until his retirement in the early 2000’s. Unfortunately, owing to ill health his last visit to Sandal RUFC was when he attended the Patrons’ lunch and after Ilkley game on the 20th December 2025.
After leaving school he tried his hand at playing rugby league but joined Sandal in 1964 since when he has remained an active member for over 60 years with a Life Membership since 1976. Max played his first games in the 4th and 5th XV’s but slowly worked his way up to primarily play 2nd and 3rd XV rugby, although he did play for the 1st XV from time to time. He retired from the game in 1984 when he was 39 years old after he had suffered a heart attack. Whilst still playing rugby he was invited to join the General Committee for the start of the 1973-74 season. He continued to serve on the Committee for two further years, first assuming the position of Honorary Entertainments Secretary and then a year later he was appointed Honorary Subscription Secretary during the 1975-76 season.
He then spent four years away from committee work but returned in 1980/81 by assuming the position of Honorary Subscription Secretary again and a year later he took up the position of Honorary Assistant Treasurer for one year. At the start of the 1982-83 season he became the Club’s Honorary Treasurer, being a position he held for 17 years until 1999. It was during this term of office that he was responsible for overseeing the construction of two very important projects. Firstly in 1985 he designed and arranged the installation of the 1st XV pitch flood lights and then in 1988 he was actively involved in the construction and surfacing of the car park. The benefit to the Club of the provision of theses two projects some 40 years ago is immeasurable thanks in the main to Max’s technical knowledge. He also oversaw the funding management of the major Clubhouse refurbishment and extension, which commenced in 1995. Following his term as Treasurer his committee duties remained on hold for seven years until 2006 when he was re-elected to serve on the Executive Committee as Director of the Bar for three years before being elected Club President in 2009, an office he held for ten years until 2019. After this date he continued to serve on the Committee as Director of Facilities for two years prior to the Covid pandemic after which he assumed the position of Director of Finance in 2021 until his death.
His other sporting love was the game of golf, which he took up in 1995 when he joined the Woolley park Golf Club, continuing to play for some 15 years until ill health prevented him from continuing to take part. The other sport he enjoyed was rugby league and he held an annual membership in supporting Wakefield Trinity for many years.
With his involvement in the many aspects of the Club for over 60 years Max has played an influential part in its development, maintenance and management. With this extensive and dedicated commitment to the Club’s well-being Max has to be considered has one of its most major stalwarts, with his name being written into its history. He will be missed by his many friends at the Club who will acknowledge that it has been a pleasure knowing him having shared many happy times together whether on the field or off it.
It is at this sad and difficult time that our thoughts must be extended to his son, Andrew, his grandson Asa and his extended family. Max’s funeral service will take place at 11.20 am on Wednesday 29th April 2026 at the Wakefield Crematorium followed by a reception at Sandal RUFC.

Howard Newton
​​​​​​​​​​19th April 2026