Fans pay tribute to Brian Williams

The Welsh All Blacks were in action against Narberth, the first club of Brian Williams, in a tribute match to raise money for the family of the former Neath and Wales prop who died so tragically at the age of 46.

It was an emotional day which attracted a crowd of more than 2,000 to the Gnoll and raised around £10,000. A host of former playing colleagues of Williams dusted off their boots and returned to action in the game. The list included Kevin Phillips, Mike Richards, John Davies, Jeremy Pugh, Dai Joseph, Barry Clegg, Chris Bridges, Mark Jones, Martyn Morris, and a host of other former players.

Former Neath Team Manager Brian Thomas paid tribute to Williams saying: “He was a player’s player, a farmer’s farmer and a Welshman’s Welshman. We will all miss him.”

A second fundraising match is being planned to be held in May. Listen to a special audio package, recording an emotional day at the Gnoll last Saturday; this feature will also be included in the Rbk Welsh Rugby Union Podcast, out on Wednesday.