BRIAN ‘B.J.’ JONES Posted By: Dennis Bennett It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Newport Rugby Football Club announces the passing of our beloved President, Mr Brian “BJ” Jones. Brian has been a massive part of our club since making his debut in 1953 and one of the greatest rugby men of a generation. Over more than seven decades, he served Newport RFC as a player, captain, coach, committee man, chairman, and most recently, as our cherished President. To many, he was simply known as Mr Newport— Brian, a proud product of Cwmcarn, represented Monmouthshire, Crawshays, the Royal Navy, the Barbarians, and earned two caps for Wales, making his international debut against Ireland in 1960. Affectionately known as BJ, he made an incredible 330 appearances for Newport RFC, amassing 566 points through 101 tries, 61 conversions, 33 penalties, and 14 drop goals. He was a 7’s expert and one of 3 Snelling Secretaries. Among his proudest achievements was becoming the only Welshman, at the time to be on the winning side against all three major touring sides on home soil: playing in Newport’s famous win over Australia in 1957, helping the Barbarians defeat Avril Malan’s South Africa in 1960, and most memorably, overcoming the mighty New Zealand All Blacks in 1963. His legacy extended beyond the pitch as he went on to coach Newport to a Welsh championship in 1968–69, and victory over the 1969 Springboks. Through his leadership, passion, and deep knowledge of the game, Brian shaped not only teams but generations of players that earned him respect and friends all over the world. In recent Years, Brian took pride in being appointed president in 2019 and remained an integral part the club right up until his passing , He was our living link to the storied past, lending immense gravitas through his presence, offering his insight and support to coaches and players alike, never missing a training session or a game despite his later declining health. For someone who achieved everything, the Icing on the cake came for him in 2022 when the squad achieved what had eluded his own generation: defeating Cardiff four times in a single season. Brian’s footprint is etched into the fabric of Newport RFC, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and listen to him recall past glories. It certainly is the end of an era. Our thoughts are with his family Jacqueline, Lisa, Caitlan, Stephen & friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. Rest in peace, BJ. Thank you for everything.“
Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former player Tony Screen, at the age of 72. Tony and his brother Willie featured for the Swans during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born locally and a pupil of Bishop Vaughan school, Tony became an apprentice at the Vetch Field in 1967, and went on to make his league debut in Swansea’s 2-0 victory at York City in May 1969. He turned professional the following year and he would go on to be the club’s topscorer during the 1973-1974, featuring in defence and in attack. In total Tony made 156 Swansea appearances, and scored 11 goals. Tony moved to Ammanford in July 1975, and helped them beat Swansea in the 1980 West Wales Senior Cup final. Everyone at Swansea City sends their sincerest condolences to Tony’s friends and family at this sad time. RIP Tony
One of life’s characters. Whenever he saw me with my wife he’d say instinctively “Ah, I see you’re with your daughter’ then burst out laughing ” I knew him for around 50 years. Played football against him, even booked a Summer holiday through Hugh when he worked at a Travel Agents in Neath. Used to see him in Frankie & Benny’s before every home match - even after his major heart surgery - until F&B’s closed. Hugh Saunders - a gentleman, one of life’s true characters and ex-Neath Grammar School for Boys, RIP YJB
Former Springboks and Bulls back Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37. It has been reported that the former flyer suffered a suspected heart attack on Wednesday evening. RIP
please log in to view this image May 11, 2025 CHRISTOPHER THOMAS FUNERAL It is with much sadness that Swansea RFC have heard about the recent passing of former ‘All Whites” player Christopher Thomas (#1996). Christopher along with his brothers Mark & Greg were destined to play for our historic club as their father Clem Thomas was a former captain of the club as well as a renowned Welsh International and British & Irish Lion and grandfather Bruce Barter who represented the club during the 1920’s. Christopher was educated at Blundells School as was captain of the rugby team until 1975. He was a stalwart of the “Athletic XV” and he wrote some witty memoirs called “Musings of a Travelling Rugbyman”. He described his debut for Swansea Youth XV:- “My first game wearing the famous All White jersey was against Mountain Ash away. We played on a pitch that was a reclaimed slag heap…if you scraped away the surface mud you were running on compacted coal dust in constant Welsh drizzle under battleship grey skies. I thought I had landed on Mars. We played a game that bore little or no resemblance to the fast-passing rugby on lush green grass public school playing fields I was used to. I played No 8 and Martin (Bottomley – Coach of Swansea Youth XV) had devised a move requiring a long lineout throw over a shortened lineout. My job was to catch the ball and drive at the fly half. Having easily secured the ball I was then smashed by a highly motivated Mountain Ash back row, as wound up as any fighting bull reacting to the pristine white jerseys of Swansea RFC. They broke my front tooth and trampled me into their mountain. Welcome to Welsh rugby”. He made four appearances for the 1st XV over an eight-year period and his debut came at the cauldron of Sardis Road, Pontypridd in April 1978. A popular figure who will be missed by those who knew him and all at Swansea RFC would like to pass on our sincere condolences to family and friends at this difficult time. Chirstopher Thomas’ funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Chruch, Newton on 30th May 2025 at 10.15am. RIP Chris
Awful, truly awful news: Mark Jones ex Neath RFC & Wales Wales Rugby League said Jones died of a heart attack while at a gym in the Middle East. 59 is way too soon
