Tributes have been paid to former Oxford University RFC chairman John Prodger MBE, who has died aged 75.

Mr Prodger, who was also an RFU Council member, was one of Oxfordshire rugby's best known figures as well as being a sucessful businessman.

In his playing days, Mr Prodger was a winning Oxford Blue in 1955 and represented both the East Midlands in 1954, and Surrey from 1956 to 1960.

He was Dark Blues chairman from 1997 to 2003 and represented the club on the RFU Council from 1998 until his death on Friday.

Steve Hill, Oxford University RFC's director of rugby, said: "John was largely responsible for the success that the club enjoys now.

"When he was chairman, he set up the post of director of rugby and reorganised the committee structure, by bringing his business skills into the club."

Mr Prodger served on the RFU's Remuneration Panel, Students' Committee and Nominations Panel as well as being a trustee of the RFU Pension Fund.

RFU President Malcolm Phillips said: "John Prodger was a man of quiet substance who worked hard for Oxford University and the RFU.

"His expertise and experience, stemming from a long and distinguished career in human resources, will be greatly missed at Twickenham."

In his business life Prodger held various management roles and worked for many years for both Tate & Lyle and Rothmans International plc.

He was also a member of the Grand Council of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) for five years.

There will be a service of thanksgiving for his life at a date to be confirmed.

He lived in Long Crendon, and leaves a widow, Tessa, and a son and a daughter.