A deserved tribute was paid to Chris Edwards by the KwaZulu Natal Rugby Union in the Presidents Suite after the Vodacom Super Rugby game between the Cell C Sharks and Cheetahs on Saturday for his service to the game.

Chris Edwards, a true legend of Rugby Administration out of the Zululand Rugby Sub-union, was educated at DPHS, DHS and the University of Cape Town where he qualified as a Pharmacist in 1953. While studying, he played at UCT and for Villagers. On his return to Natal in 1954, he joined DHS Old Boys before moving to Eshowe for a year in 1956 and playing rugby for the Eshowe RFC. In 1957 he moved to Empangeni, starting his successful business - The Edwards Pharmacy - whilst also beginning his long outstanding contribution to the game and serving on the Empangeni/Zululand Rhinos' committee ever since. He was the President of the club for 21 years from 1981 to 1992.

His dedication and loyalty to his club, his Union and to the game itself made Chris Edwards one of the most valued members of the KZNRU council, so it wasn't surprising that he was voted in and appointed President of the KZNRU in 1999 and the following year made KZNRU Life Member.

His tribute after 51 years service to the game was well deserved and his integrity, honesty and dedication to the game makes Chris Edwards one of the great icons of KZNRU Administration, indeed a true rugby man of the highest order.

- Jos Robson