Rugby News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Blues lose first-class president

There was a great deal of sadness around the county over the past week with the sad news that Haverfordwest RFC lost their hard-working president Brian Stephens after a short illness.

Brian Stephens’ commitment to Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club can be demonstrated by the fact that since he was elected as president in 1996 he had only missed six games, home or away, because he loved to follow the Blues.

Brian moved to Haverfordwest in 1979 with his work for the Water Authority as Chief Financial Officer and became treasurer of the rugby club in 1990, holding the purse strings for a decade and doubling up as president after being honoured with that role in 1996. Not content with that involvement, he was also the club’s unofficial press officer. Brian worked closely with Gareth Griffiths (Chairman) and Delyth Summons (Treasurer), and was delighted that a number of talented young players coming through had helped his team reach top place in Division Three (West).

Brian had played for Llanelli Schoolboys as a 12 year old and a few years later was chosen for Welsh Schools’ trials as a full back. He also played senior rugby with Llanelli Wanderers until a serious shoulder injury saw him take up refereeing and he officiated at all the top clubs. Undoubtedly his biggest honour came in 1969 when he asked to be touch judge for the Wales versus England match at the Arms Park where top Irish official Paddy D’Arcy was in charge. He had to use the same changing room as the Welsh players because there were alterations being made at the ground. Welsh coach Clive Rowlands introduced him to the Welsh team, which included the likes of JPR Williams, Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Mervyn Davies, Keith Jarrett, Dai Morris, John Taylor and Delme Thomas, to name a few of them. He was part of the official team photograph for the day and Maurice Richards grabbed four tries in a 30-9 victory for Wales, and the post-match dinner was also memorable to complete a perfect day for Brian.

He had 21 memorable years as a referee and then became heavily involvement with Haverfordwest RFC.  His work as an officer was superb and he also did lots at county level – and will be sorely missed by both in the years to come. On a personal note I had been helped by Brian for many years and found him a real gentleman, someone I loved to chat with and whom I held in the highest regard.