Neath RFC and Welsh rugby has lost one of its leading former administrators with the passing of Allan Benjamin who served the Welsh All Blacks as secretary from 1972 to 1998.

Originally from the Melyn area of the Town, Allan Benjamin was a Neath man through and through and, apart from a short spell in London where he refereed, he lived in Neath throughout his life.

A product of Neath Grammar School, Allan taught history in Swansea before becoming head-teacher at Cymer Afan Comprehensive School and was one of several educationalist rugby secretaries at the time, Swansea RFC’s David Price and Ebbw Vale RFC’s Ivor George amongst them.

For his services, Allan was honoured as a Life Member of Neath RFC.

Current Neath secretary Mike Price said, “Allan was a true gentleman and was of the old school of administrators. He was a very efficient secretary and integrity was his watchword in all his dealings – if Allan said something you could guarantee it was right and if he said he’d do something you knew it would get done properly.

“I saw him recently and, although his health was declining, he was still very interested in the Neath Club and, as always, wished us well with the courtesy one had come to expect from him.

“His dedication and attention to detail over 26 years of loyal service speaks for itself and he was one in a line of long-serving secretaries who have carefully guided the Club’s affairs throughout its history.”

Allan Benjamin’s wife Janet pre-deceased him and he is survived by his son Hywel to whom the Neath Club’s deepest sympathies are extended.