MENTION of the Tanner family calls to mind one of the unsung heroes of grassroots rugby, Tony’s father Derek, who was at the heart of the extraodinary expansion of the Rosslyn Park Schools Sevens.
Tanner senior was also a considerable business operator from the publishing and printing world, something you might not immediately appreciate on first acquaintance.
As the tournament grew during the 70s and early 80s Tanner saw that a long-term sponsor would be needed for it to fulfil its full potential but received a shot across the bows from the RFU secretary, Air Commodore Bob Weigh...