Neath RFC is saddened to hear of the passing of former full back Brian Thomas.

When Neath and Wales full back Grahame Hodgson dislocated his shoulder playing for the Welsh Academicals against Swansea in September 1968, Neath found a ready replacement in Mumbles full back Brian Thomas.

Taking over from one of the Club’s all-time greats can have been no easy task but Brian settled into the role quite comfortably and took part in wins against the best in the west in Aberavon, Bridgend, Llanelli, Maesteg and Swansea as well as victories over Bath, Blackheath, Halifax, London Welsh and Moseley.

He was also in the team which famously beat Cardiff 16-6 after a stormy game at the Arms Park earlier in the season.

In fact, so effective a deputy was Brian that Neath won 17 of the 20 games he appeared in until Hodgson’s return in February and we remember a very safe, steady and reliable full back who was especially dependable under the high ball.

Brian later went back to Mumbles to play and then coached in West Wales notably with Dunvant where he supervised the West Swansea club’s rise through the divisions and the Neath club’s condolences are extended to his family and friends. MP