Keith, an imposing and talented second row for both West and Durham County,  was known and respected throughout rugby in the North of England and beyond. To this day West rarely play an away game where one of the club officials isn't asked "Do you know Keith Baggs?" His talents on the pitch were said by many teammates and opponents as being of international standard. They did, however,  earn him  50 County Championship caps with Durham in addition to 10 invitational  appearances.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to the whole Baggs family who have all made such a tremendous  contribution to the club.

Former Club Chairman and teammate Ron Greig paid this tribute today:

My earliest recollection of Keith was in the First Form of West Hartlepool Grammar School in September 1950 having come from different schools. He was a lanky lad, one of the tallest in the year and where he discovered his love for the game. Keith left the school after O Levels having just turned 16 to take up an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, by which time he was a very popular and entertaining member of a group of friends, which included Frank Gibbon, Mike Roberts and myself among others. I am sure Keith and Frank were the first of our bunch to join West,  and with Keith’s stature and height for a second row he soon became an established first team player.

Not long after his apprenticeship he was accepted at King’s College Newcastle, then affiliated to Durham University for a degree course, which led to him being appointed Captain not only of the King’s College XV but then the full Durham University side and so highly regarded in this role he became Captain of the UAU English Students.  Back home Keith while playing for West was one of the most successful West 7’s teams which culminated in them being invited to play in the Middlesex 7’s at Twickenham in 1963.
     The 1960’s saw Durham County enjoy a hugely successful era being Northern Group Champions over several years, including two National Cup Finals,  with Keith an ever present in the side leading to him being capped a record 60 times for a forward and opposing some of the best County and International second rows around that time. Always, of course, Keith had West at heart and he captained his own club in 1968.
      When he eventually hung up his boots Keith continued his very strong connections with West coaching the Colts and junior sides as well as being involved in other roles as a Committee member also for a while being Chairman of Selectors during the professional era,  but after changes and the demise of the Club Keith turned his expertise to coaching Tech OB where a large number of players had sought refuge in those difficult times. To sum up,  Keith was an outstanding player and a larger than life character who made a massive contribution to West in those halcyon days.

Club President Dave Laycock presented Keith with his Honorary Life-President certificate last year

alongside his great friend Ken Williams.