Neath rugby supporters will be saddened to hear of the passing of Roy (“Sprint”) Jones.

Breconian Roy first linked with Neath in the old “professional club” days when taking an athletics session at Court Herbert.

Watching Neath train, he observed, “I can put a yard of pace on every one of your players.” And, over the course of the next few seasons he did just that working with coaches Lyn Jones and Rowland Phillips.

Roy worked with many of Neath’s finest players either on supplementary fitness sessions or helping them get back to full fitness after injury. He became a great mate of kit-man Roy Evans and, to differentiate between them, Roy Jones became known as “Roy Sprint” and was a popular figure at The Gnoll.

Former Neath captain Paul Jones said, “Roy was a true gent respected by all who worked with him. RIP Roy, it was a pleasure working with you.”

Neath secretary Mike Price said, “Roy was an invaluable addition to our back-room team and he contributed to many of the Club’s triumphs at the time. He was a good man and will be missed by many of us at The Gnoll,”