England rugby star Richard Sharp who offered inspiration for Sean Bean character leaves fortune to his three youngsters
The late England rugby star Richard Sharp OBE, who provided the inspiration for one of Sean Bean’s best-loved TV characters, has left a fortune to his three children.
Mr Sharp, who died on November 3 last year aged 87, was captain of the England squad when they won the 1963 Five Nations tournament.
As well as his impressive sporting career, the fly-half provided the inspiration for author Bernard Cornwell’s character of the same name, fictional Napoleonic War soldier Richard Sharpe.
Sharpe was later played by Sean Bean in the hit ITV series which ran from 1993 until 2008.
Mr Cromwell had intended to use Mr Sharp’s name as a placeholder while he thought of another name but he eventually decided to keep, it only slightly changing the surname by adding an ‘e’.
The rugby star’s will was originally written in 1992 and he never rewrote it.
It stated his £623,059 fortune will go to his three children Quentin, Jeremy and Rachel after his wife Esther died in 1999 from cancer.
The late England rugby star Richard Sharp OBE died in November last year aged 87. The content of his will has finally been revealed
Richard Sharp during the 1963 Five Nations rugby tournament. Mr Sharp – who capped 14 times by his country – was best known for an incredible try he scored against Scotland at Twickenham that won England the 1963 title
All three children were named as executors and trustees of his will.
His Grant of Probate document reads: ‘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 application has stated that the gross value of the estate amounts to £638,059 and the net value amounts to £623,059.
His will reads: ‘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.’
The will document – discussing the event of his wife dying before him – adds: ‘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.
Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe in the ITV series. Author Bernard Cornwell used the rugby star’s name as the inspiration for that character in his book series after initially using the name as a placeholder
‘And if more than one, in equal shares absolutely to the said Quentin Sharp, Jeremy Sharp and Rachel Sharp.
Mr Sharp – who capped 14 times by his country – was best known for an incredible try he scored against Scotland at Twickenham that won England the 1963 title.
Born in India, his family moved to Cornwall and studied at Oxford University where he met his wife.
During his club career he played for Wasps, Bristol and Redruth. He aslo played Minor Counties cricket for Cornwall.
After hanging up his boots, he went into teaching and then worked as a rugby journalist.
At the time of his death, Steve Murley, Cornwall RFU chairman said: ‘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 style on the field was celebrated for its elegance and precision.
‘One contemporary described him as “probably the most elegant fly-half England ever had”.’
Mr Sharp, who lived in a nursing home in Hayle, Cornwall, had seven grandchildren.
