A sombre atmosphere engulfed North Field, National Sports Centre on Saturday when the island’s rugby community came together to celebrate the life of James Clarke, the Bermuda Rugby Football Union operations director.

Before the start of the main fixtures on the day, a minute's silence was observed in honour of Clarke, who died at the age of 36 a couple of weeks ago.

When the action concluded on the field, proceedings moved over to the pavilion, where photographs of Clarke working with coaches and players were displayed on a television screen in the presence of his family members.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell led the tributes when he spoke of Clarke’s involvement in the establishment of a 12-week programme designed by the Department of Sport and Recreation to encourage and nurture the next generation of athletes.

Shortly after his arrival on the island in October, Clarke had been voted for as a committee member for the Association of National Sports Governing Bodies.

“James was instrumental in setting up the Active children Sports Academy that we started a couple of weeks ago,” Darrell said.

“I’m happy to see the rugby community coming together to support his family during such a tragic moment.”

Gemma Godfrey, the president of the BRFU, expressed the union’s commitment to continuing with the plans Clarke had put in place.

“Even though James was only with us for a short time, the incredible impact he made within the Bermuda rugby family was undeniable, as witnessed by the overwhelming turnout at today’s memorial,” Godfrey told The Royal Gazette.

“He gave so much to us through his vision and dedication to the game, and touched so many of us with his ideas and passion. We are absolutely devastated by his loss and will miss him hugely. At the same time, we are so grateful for the opportunity we’ve had to work with him.

“This memorial was a reminder of the strength of this community as we came together as a family to support one another during this unfathomable period of loss. As we move forward, we are committed to building on the road map James created for Bermuda rugby, ensuring that his legacy and vision live on.”

The union’s vice-president Nick West was touched by the response received in honouring Clarke.

“James's influence was felt by so many in such a short time,“ West said. “It was tremendous to see such an outpouring of love and support from the Bermuda rugby community today.”

John Weale, a former senior referee, who worked closely with Clarke during the World Rugby Classic, remembered the Briton for his warm-heartedness.

“Although I only got to know James for a relatively short period, he was such a lovely individual, making a great impact in local rugby,” Weale said.

“He was so incredibly kind, thoughtful and helpful, certainly one of the nicest people I've met. He was really knowledgeable about rugby in general and officiating in particular.

“He's such a massive loss to both Bermuda rugby, and the community in general. He will be sadly missed.”

D'zuri Gill, a Bermuda rugby player and junior coach, said that Clarke had become a source of inspiration in his few months on the island .

“James was a coach who was more than just a mentor – he was a friend, a leader, and a true believer in rugby,” Gill said.

“In the short time he was on the island, James made an incredible impact. He laid the foundation for the future of our youth programme, as well as the future of club rugby with his unwavering dedication and passion.

“Working with him inspired all of us to give our best, both on and off the field.”

Hadleigh Tucker, the Bermuda sevens and Teachers captain, spoke of Clarke’s positive work, including the introduction of recording equipment for club matches, which allowed coaches to review their team’s performances.

“James had an immediate impact when he arrived on the island,” the player said.

“He joined our training sessions in his first couple of days in Bermuda and was a knowledgeable, positive and professional presence that rubbed off well on many of the young and older players at Teachers.

“I think I speak for many of us in the rugby community when I say that his help and commitment to the officiating and video recording of our league matches bettered our rugby experience, which also improved our social experience once the games concluded.

“James was a great guy to chat to and his ideas and positivity for Bermuda were exactly what we needed to put us on the right course.

“He will be sorely missed, I miss him very much and, quite frankly, I’m still processing that he is gone. My heart goes out to his family and all those others that knew and worked with him.”

Anthony “Church” Cupidore, the Bermuda Under-19 assistant and Beyond Rugby coach, remembered Clarke for his devotion to rugby.

“To meet someone who shares your values and beliefs is very special,” Cupidore said.

“After my first conversation with James, it was apparent that he shared my passion and vision for Bermuda rugby. I only knew him for a short time, but the grief and loss I feel is overwhelming.

“He was knowledgeable yet very humble. The impact he made on me and many others will be long lasting.

“It is my hope that his infectious enthusiasm and his ideas for the sport here in Bermuda will carry on in his absence. He will be sorely missed.”

Ciarra Izzie, the Police women’s captain, remembered Clarke’s exceptional commitment to the game.

“James Clarke’s dedication to revamping rugby in Bermuda and promoting the sport was unparalleled,” she said.

“He worked tirelessly to elevate the game and I believe the surge in new players for the Police women’s rugby team was a direct result of his incredible efforts to grow the sport on the island.

“I personally enjoyed working with him and deeply admired his passion and vision. He will be deeply missed and for ever remembered, it was great to honour his legacy by supporting one another, just as he always did.”

Chris Naylor, the Bermuda Under-19 and Teachers coach, revealed that Clarke was scheduled to conduct his first schools rugby programme on the day he died.

“Like everyone in the rugby community, I’m massively shocked and saddened by James’s passing,” the Sandys Secondary Middle School deputy principal said.

“James was a very nice man. In the hiring process that we went through during the summer, we recognised his personality, warmth and how he communicated.

“We were very optimistic that he would do well here knowing the Bermuda rugby community. It is with great disappointment that we didn't get to experience everything that he could potentially do for the sport on the island.

“He was very analytical about rugby and shared some of the data that he collected on some of the league rugby as well as our national sevens team that went to Trinidad, and he was quite insightful.

“On the day of his passing, schools rugby was due to start. He had made plans like running camps in the summer, so all those plans added to the shock of his passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. It was nice to see them today and for them to be part of his Bermuda rugby family.”

For Jamie Baum, Bermuda’s top referee, the presence of Clarke was beneficial for the up-and-coming referees on the island.

“James was a great addition on the island and was super supportive in coaching the next generation of referees,” Baum said.