WHITLAND RFC, and Pembrokeshire rugby as a whole, were rocked by the sudden death of Roy Newton, last week.

The 52-year-old, who represented the club as a player, coach, and long standing member – tragically died after coming into collision with a car on a road between St Clears and Llangynnin last Tuesday morning.

Whitland chairman Arwyn Thomas admitted the news had ‘devastated’ the club, and said they had been inundated with messages of support.

“You would not believe the number of phone calls we have received from Pembrokeshire clubs and players this past week,” he said.

“All saying the same thing – what a great guy Roy was.

“Rugby is a tough game and it is inevitable that over the years you clash with people and make enemies.

“But I honestly never knew anyone who didn’t like or get on with Roy. He was a true gentleman.”

Roy, who lived at Gors Fach, Pwll Trap, near St Clears, played on the wing for The Borderers for many years before becoming involved in the club’s coaching set up.

He was renowned in recent times for his superb work with the Whitland youth section. In 2009, along with Paul Kirk and team manager John Griffiths, he guided the team to the Welsh Cup final in the Millennium Stadium.

This season, he had taken his first year off coaching in more than a decade so he could watch his sons play rugby more. His eldest son, Dan, came through the Whitland ranks and now plays for the Llanelli Scarlets, while Scott plays for the Borderers’ first team.

“He was a tremendous coach and man manager,” said chairman Thomas.

“In all honesty, he should have been coaching at a higher level than Whitland.

“He had a wonderful insight into rugby and even now I would still go to him if I needed advice.

“He was a great coach and a great man.”

Current Welsh internationals Mike Phillips, Scott Williams, and Jonathan Davies all came through the Whitland ranks under Roy – and the latter paid tribute to his former coach.

“I can’t say enough good words about Roy,” said Davies, who plays with Roy’s son Dan at the Scarlets. “He was one of the nicest guys I have known.

“He was a massive part of the community, everyone loved him.”

As a result, the region cancelled training on Tuesday, and a Scarlets junior training camp due to take place in Whitland last week was postponed.

Whitland’s division one west clash with Carmarthen Athletic on Saturday was also postponed, with Athletic chairman Delme Owens saying: “It’s an absolute tragedy. The right thing to do was postpone the game as a mark of respect.”