I'm sorry not to be able to attend Brian's farewell. He was a friend in rugby over many years and I always knew there would be kind words of support to developing referees when he was around. Having said that, his was a no-nonsense attitude and he didn't suffer fools gladly. Variously known to as "Gabbduty" and to some older players simply as "Sponge!" for his booming call for the cold water treatment for injured players when he refereed. Rugby has lost one of its' characters by Brian's passing.