The late England rugby star Richard Sharp OBE, whose name famously inspired one of Sean Bean's most iconic television roles, has bequeathed a substantial fortune to his three children. Mr Sharp, who passed away on November 3 last year at the age of 87, captained the England squad to victory in the 1963 Five Nations tournament, cementing his legacy in sporting history.
A Sporting Legacy and Literary Inspiration
Today, Richard Sharp is perhaps equally renowned for providing the inspiration behind author Bernard Cornwell's fictional character Richard Sharpe. The Sharpe book series chronicles the adventures of a Napoleonic War soldier, a role later brought to life by Sean Bean in the popular ITV television series that aired from 1993 until 2008. Interestingly, Bernard Cornwell initially used Mr Sharp's name as a temporary placeholder while brainstorming alternatives, but ultimately decided to retain it, merely adding an 'e' to the surname.
The Details of the Will
The rugby legend's will, originally drafted in 1992 and never revised, has now been made public. It stipulates that his estate, valued at £623,059 net from a gross amount of £638,059, is to be inherited by his three children: Quentin, Jeremy, and Rachel. These children, whom he shared with his late wife Esther Marian Sharp, who died from cancer in 1999, are also named as the executors and trustees of his will.
The Grant of Probate document formally records: 'Richard Adrian William Sharp of Hayle died on November 3, 2025. The last will and testament of Richard Adrian William Sharp was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.' The will explicitly states: 'Subject to payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I devise and bequeath all my estate, both real and personal to my said wife Esther Marian Sharp, provided she shall survive me for the period of 28 days absolutely.'
In the event of his wife predeceasing him, as occurred, the will directs: 'I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate unto my trustees for such of my children as shall be living at the date of my death, and if more than one, in equal shares absolutely to the said Quentin Sharp, Jeremy Sharp and Rachel Sharp.'
A Distinguished Rugby Career
Capped 14 times for England, Richard Sharp was celebrated for an extraordinary try he scored against Scotland at Twickenham, a pivotal moment that secured England the 1963 Five Nations title. Born in India, his family later relocated to Cornwall, where he studied at Oxford University and met his future wife. During his illustrious club career, he played for Wasps, Bristol, and Redruth.
Following his retirement from professional rugby, Mr Sharp transitioned into teaching and subsequently worked as a rugby journalist. At the time of his passing, Steve Murley, Chairman of Cornwall RFU, paid tribute, stating: 'It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of Richard Sharp OBE, the former England and British & Irish Lions fly-half, whose fine sporting talent was matched by a quiet dignity and unwavering sportsmanship.'
His playing style was often praised for its elegance and precision, with one contemporary remarking he was 'probably the most elegant fly-half England ever had.' Mr Sharp, who resided in a nursing home in Hayle, Cornwall, is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy both on the rugby field and in popular culture.
