JOHN Yarwood – father of late Bournemouth rugby star Sam – has told promotion-chasing Lions: You will always have an extra man in the team.

Last Friday marked the first anniversary of Sam’s tragic death in a canoeing accident on Lake Ullswater in the Lake District.

The talented 22-year-old had been a key player for Lions and broke club records by scoring 27 league tries during his debut campaign.

Following his death, Bournemouth retired Sam’s number 14 shirt and the jersey was presented to his family.

Mr Yarwood continues to follow the fortunes of his son’s former team and says he has been delighted to see them close in on National Three South West success this season.

Lions will claim the championship and promotion to National Two South if they secure a bonus-point win in tomorrow’s home game against Weston-super-Mare at Chapel Gate (3pm).

Delivering a message to the players ahead of the match, Mr Yarwood told them to “go out, enjoy it and remember they have always got an extra man with them”.

In a heartfelt interview with the Daily Echo on Wednesday, Birmingham-based Mr Yarwood paid a warm tribute to the Dorset club.

He is attending a match at another of Sam’s old clubs Moseley tomorrow, but said he planned to celebrate Bournemouth’s campaign at their final league match of the season in Oxford.

Mr Yarwood said: “I was there when they beat Chinnor 27-26 last month. My lasting memory of that was Jack Hennings (forward) picking me up, hugging me and giving me a big, wet kiss! You can tell there is that sort of bond there between all of us.

“I could mention all of the players – they have been absolutely fantastic – and I shall follow them now for the rest of my days.

“Because I have got to go to the Moseley game this weekend, I shall almost certainly be at Oxford Harlequins for Bournemouth’s last game.

“I am quite certain they are going to win the title and I just wish I was there. But I shall celebrate with them the week after at Oxford. I wouldn’t miss going round and congratulating every one of them.”

Mr Yarwood added: “I keep in touch with most of the team and with Sam’s girlfriend and family down there. We get to as many games as we can.

“I am really proud. There is a bond now between the team and the Yarwood family.

“Sam’s 13-year-old brother plays rugby for Camp Hill, which was where Sam started his career as a youngster. Members of the Bournemouth team keep in touch with him on a personal basis.

“There is a bond there which I don’t think will ever be broken now because the team were so good for Sam.”