Older Neath RFC supporters will be saddened to learn of the passing of former back rower David Thomas.

 David was recommended to Neath by prop and ex-captain John Dodd. He joined the Welsh All Blacks from Porthcawl in 1968 and established himself as the largely unsung member of Neath’s feted back row of the time.

 It featured the incomparable Dave Morris, Scotland international Wilson Lauder, Mike Thomas and, for a short while, former Newport and Wales man Alan Thomas.

  With Dave Morris and Wilson Lauder regularly receiving international call-ups, there were plenty of playing opportunities for David and the tenacious flanker appeared 148 times through to his retirement from the first-class game at the end of 1972/73 when he returned to his roots at Porthcawl.

  Neath RFC sends condolences to David’s family at this difficult time.