USA rugby remembers Mike Cobb

John Roberts

Mike Cobb, who played, coached, and officiated rugby for more than three decades, was killed Saturday when an automobile struck him in Thailand where he was participating in a rugby referee exchange.

In every respect, Cobb's influence on the game he loved touched many in the U.S. and beyond. Once ranked as one of the top rugby officials in the U.S., Cobb served as USA Rugby Eastern Zone Manager for referees at the time of his death. He was a fixture at national rugby conventions and games and participated in dozens of international exchanges.

"We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mike's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's friends and family at this time," said USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville. "Mike was such a larger than life character, passionate about his rugby and always going above and beyond to help players, referees and coaches develop their potential."

Beyond officiating, Cobb found time to coach. In 2004, he led the Furman University women's rugby team to the Rugby South Finals. From 2005-08 he served as head coach for the Greenville Griffins men's team, leading them to the USA National Final 16 in 2006. At the time of his death, Cobb was assistant coach for South Greenville, a top high school club that is advancing to nationals.

A native of Greenville and veteran of the United States Air Force, Cobb left a giant imprint on the sport he loved through his mentoring and friendships.

Full story: http://www.usarugby.org/2016/05/usa-rugby-remembers-mike-cobb/

-- USA Rugby 2016-05-04

RIP Cobb.

As for the driver of the car, he already confessed that he was responsible for the accident.
He was drunk and apologized already with a great "wai".
So, it was not him but the booze who did it.

The rugby fraternity in the States are a truly loveable bunch. A real loss to the rugby community. RIP.

Sad news, other reports indicate the driver mounted the pavement narrowly missing his friend. Driver fled the scene in his car. Will be interesting to see how the investigation develops.

According to the headline I still wonder who killed him after the accident...

As a member of the world wide community of rugby I would like to express my sadness at the death of Mike Cobb.

Great coach, Better father. Peace

"We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mike's passing........"

Was it the vehicle that he was overtaking that struck him?

Sad news, sounds as if this man led quite a life.

Does anyone know where this happened? All references just say Thailand.

/

...a foreigner...I read...was charged with manslaughter.......for some other accident....

...never heard of a Thai being charged with anything similar....

....being drunk would at least be vehicular homicide.....

....and banned from driving for life.......

RIP.

Keeping up its 2nd place ranking in worlds most deadly roads. Let's hope the hit list of ten road laws to enforce actually has an impact...pun intended.

He was killed by a hit and run driver close to Mabrpachan reservoir walking back to his hotel. Very sad news.

RIP