Neath RFC is saddened to learn of the death of former Bridgend, Wales and British Lions No.8 Gareth Williams after a lengthy illness.

Although very much a Bridgend man, Welsh Secondary Schools cap Gareth’s first-class debut actually came with Neath when he appeared at the tail-end of the 1974/75 season having been recommended to the Club by school-master Grahame Hodgson but Bridgend was his home club and he went on to enjoy a very distinguished career at the Brewery Field.

Neath secretary Mike Price said, “I was still in school when Gareth played for Neath but I remember him playing, if memory serves me right, alongside Wilson Lauder and Steve Williams in the back-row in a tight win over Newport in an absolutely torrential downpour at The Gnoll. Gareth was a very talented rugby footballer, one of the nice guys of Welsh rugby and the Neath Club’s sympathies are extended to his family and many friends.”