RUGBY clubs in the Neath and Port Talbot area have been paying tribute to a former player who died suddenly at the weekend.
Austen Howells is understood to have died on Saturday afternoon, while on a stag weekend in the Greater Manchester area.
His death was confirmed by Dennis Thomas, spokesman for Maesteg RFC.
Mr Howells, who was in his forties, was very well known in local rugby circles and counted Tonmawr and Cwmafan among his former clubs.
Mr Thomas said: “From what I’ve been told, he was on a stag weekend in Manchester with a group of players.”
Mr Thomas added that Mr Howells had only recently returned to the club in a new role as backs coach. He had previously been a youth and senior player there.
“He had only just started the role back in the summer.
“After Maesteg, he also played for Welsh youth and went to play for Bridgend and Tonmawr.”
Paying tribute, he added: “It was a shock to everyone connected with the club.
“He was a great talented player and a very talented backs coach.
“We were looking forward to him working with our team and head coach.”
Mr Thomas added on Twitter that as a mark of respect, training would be cancelled this week.
Mr Howells also played for Cwmafan RFC, who tweeted: “Would like to give our condolence to the family of our former player Austen Howells who has sadly passed away.”
Derwyn Jones tweeted: “Dreadful news regarding the passing of Austen Howells.
“A good rugby man and a proud father of two wonderful boys.
“Thoughts are with Alex and the family.”
Paul Jarvis also took to the social network, and said: “Still rocked by the news of Austen Howells death, some good times with him back in the Scorpion 7s days, top bloke.”
Morgan Stoddart tweeted that he was shocked and devastated by the news.
“A crazy man with a heart of gold. You’ll be sorely missed mate. #RipAusten,” he tweeted.
Marcus Copeland said his death was a huge loss to the Welsh Rugby Union and the rugby sevens community, adding: “Extremely sad to hear of the tragic death of Austen Howells.”
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said at 3.30pm on Saturday officers were called to Bredbury Hall, Stockport after the body of a man was found.
She added: “Officers attended and discovered the body of a man in his 40s.
“Police are working to establish how the man died but at this stage, do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.”
Rachel Moses-Lloyd / rachel.moses@swwmedia.co.uk / @racheljanemoses
Article source: http://www.eveningecho.ie/2014/08/04/obrien-guest-starred-irish-rugby-side/
Rugby friends pay tribute after tragic death of ex-player
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