Tributes to a rugby player found dead on a stag do weekend

A rugby player died on a stag weekend with teammates at a country hotel.

Father-of-two Austen Howells, 40, who played for Maesteg RFC, was found dead in his hotel room.

Mr Howells, had travelled 200 miles from his home in St Brides Major to celebrate with friends in Manchester.

They had been staying at the Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club – but the weekend ended in tragedy when the fly-half was found dead in his room at the three-star hotel.

The Bredbury Hall Hotel where the group had been staying

Police are investigating the death and are probing if it was linked to drink or drugs.

Austen had just returned to his home town club Maesteg RFC where he had taken a coaching role.

Club spokesman Dennis Thomas said: “He was on a stag weekend in Manchester with a group of players.

“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.”

Wales News Service

Austen Howells pictured here in action for Tonmawr RFC

 

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 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.”

Austen had played for Bridgend, Tonmawr and Cwmafan and represented Wales at youth level.

Wales News Service

Austen Howells pictured here in action for Tonmawr RFC

He was found Austen dead at the hotel on at 3.30pm on Saturday.

They say there are “no suspicious circumstances” and confirmed that a drugs overdose was one line of inquiry.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: “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.”

Tributes to a rugby player found dead on a stag do weekend