Former Harlequins player Mickey Claxton passes away

The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former Harlequin Mickey (Malcolm F) Claxton.

Mickey was the middle sibling of three local brothers who all played for Harlequins and lived close to The Stoop.

Though named as Malcolm, he was known to all as Mickey. He made his first first-team appearance against Cambridge University in November 1974. After at least 203 appearances in the first-team, he bowed out 11 years later against the West London Institute at the beginning of October 1985.

He also turned out for Middlesex a number of times and for London against the All Blacks in 1983.

There was great rivalry between him and his elder brother, Terry, as who to scored the most tries. Terry always claimed that he had scored 13, one more than Mickey. However, the story goes, that in one match that they were playing in, Micky got two. Terry felt that he should share one with him and claimed one of them. So, who knows who scored the most.

When it came to selection Mickey had a hardnosed steely edge as a prop that meant he was on the first-team sheet for quite a few years. He was a stalwart of the Club and when playing with his brothers Terry and Gary, they formed a formidable front-row in the scrum. He also brought a lot of fun and laughter to the team in the dressing room before and after games. One of Quins’ and the rugby’s great characters.

Brotherly love was such that Mickey was prepared to take the blame for a punch-up that Terry was blamed for when both were playing for Middlesex against Eastern Counties. Despite Mickey’s testimony, Terry was given a 14-week suspension.

All three brothers started their rugby at the Twickenham club before moving to Quins. Even after he hung up his boots, Mickey remained a loyal supporter of Quins and was often seen at home matches. The only time he let Quins down was on Saturday 5 December 1980. It was his wedding and his brothers Terry, the Club’s captain, and Gary were there along with Dick Best, who was best man.

Our thoughts are with his brothers, Terry and Gary, and the rest of the Claxton family.

Funeral details will be confirmed shortly.

Once a Quin, always a Quin. RIP Mickey.