Funeral Details Announced for Former Cornish Pirates Player Graham Waters

Graham Waters remembered for his strength, loyalty and epic 900-mile charity walk

The funeral for well-known Cornish rugby player Graham ‘Granite’ Waters will be held at St Just Church on Tuesday 22nd July, beginning at 2pm. A gathering will follow at St Just Rugby Club.

Graham, who was 76 when he passed away, was a highly respected figure in the rugby world, known for his honesty, strength and no-nonsense character – qualities that earned him the nickname ‘Granite’.

A force at the Pirates

After attending Cape Cornwall School and learning under Derek Small, Graham began his rugby journey at St Just RFC. It was at the start of the 1974/75 season that he made the move to Penzance & Newlyn RFC, encouraged by Colin Dymond.

Despite standing at 6’1″, considered short for a lock forward, Graham’s 15½ stone frame made him a formidable player. He became a regular in the 1st XV, making 41 appearances in his first season alone. Over time, he pulled on the Pirates shirt 296 times, before eventually returning to St Just, where he also served as a committee member.

A standout moment in his rugby career came in 1976, when the Pirates lifted the prestigious Cornwall KO Cup for the first time, winning a tense final 4-3 against Redruth at Camborne. Graham played a key role in the second row during the closely fought match.

Walking for a cause

In 1988, long after he had hung up his boots, Graham completed a 900-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising funds for both the Pirates and the Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood Trust (CLIC). He was joined on the journey by Richard Brighton and Adam Dorey, who helped drive the support van and also took turns walking.

Final years

A retired builder, Graham had been living in Heamoor in recent years. Health challenges had become increasingly difficult for him, and after a short stay at Benoni Nursing Home in St Just, he died at Treliske Hospital.

Since his passing, Graham’s family have received countless heartfelt messages of condolence, each one fully deserved and deeply appreciated.