TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of Colwyn Bay Rugby Club following his recent death.

Dave Jones, who had a lengthy association with the club as a player, coach and groundsman, sadly died earlier this week.

A senior member of Colwyn Bay Rugby Club said: “Dave enjoyed many years playing football before coming to rugby in his late 20s. His first love was scuba diving, in which he participated into his mid 50s. Indeed, although having a late start to rugby, he continued playing, with his last match at 68.

"In the main, Dave’s rugby with Colwyn Bay was with the XV and the veterans’ teams. In the 1980s, Colwyn Bay Veterans’ team was an exceptionally good side. Dave played his part in this elite group throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

“During the 1980s, we played much of our rugby in the Wirral and Liverpool; this meant that someone had to drive. So long as someone was prepared to drive to the matches in those far-flung places, Dave would always drive home.

“Dave played all of his rugby in the second row. He had many second row partners over the years - names that come to mind are Dave Edwards in the early 1980s, Rhun Hughes before retiring at age 50, and Brian Roberts, who played many matches with Dave in the 1990s and 2000s.

“In one famous match against Dolgellau, the joint age of the second row was 120; that was Brian and Dave’s combined ages. Although Dave had these three and other second row partners, he never gave up his position throughout all of his years in the game.

“With the expansion in club membership, particularly in junior membership, it became clear about 15 years ago that it would be necessary to employ someone as caretaker and groundsman.

“At that time, Dave had taken forced retirement from his job with Rogers Jones Auctioneers. He had already been doing odd jobs around the club on a voluntary basis, so he became the obvious choice to take on the full-time role at caretaker/groundsman.

“He had been doing this job with great enthusiasm and dedication up to the time when COVID-19 took over the planet.

“Throughout the 18 months of COVID restrictions, Dave was at the club most days, ensuring that everything was kept in good order.

“He also ensured that the grounds were maintained to ensure that playing conditions did not deteriorate. When we were able to come back to some sort of normality, due to Dave’s dedication and with help from the ‘Wednesday Warriors’ volunteer group, the club and playing facilities were as good as they had ever been.

“Dave will be missed by all Colwyn Bay Rugby Club members, young and old. His lifetime dedication to the club will be remembered by all.”

Many more paid tribute to Dave in the comments on Colwyn Bay Rugby Club’s Facebook post.

One wrote: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Dave was a lovely man and a real gentleman, we have many happy memories of our times with him.

Another said: “RIP. A true gent. (I) played against him many a time; much respect for Dave. Thoughts go out to family and friends.

A third added: “Very sad news. I had the honour of playing against Dave and he was a formidable opponent. He always extended a warm welcome to visitors to Colwyn Bay. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”