Neath RFC is mourning the loss of one of its finest uncapped forwards Steve Dando who passed away this morning.

The Gilfach Goch-based farmer joined Neath in 1978/79 having made a few appearances for Bridgend and he soon established himself at The Gnoll playing mainly in the second row but also – at the request of the Welsh selectors – at prop.

From his first appearance on November 4th, 1978 in an 18-4 win over Pontypool who were riding high at the time, Steve was a vital component of Ron Waldron’s Neath pack as the All Blacks gradually built into the finest team in the country and he played for Crawshay’s and Glamorgan County.

Steve was one of the quiet men in a Neath side which let its rugby do the talking and, like team-mates Mike Richards, Gazzie Jones, Carl Gnojek, Steve Powell and many others, was the cornerstone of the Club’s successes – whilst others were called away on international duty, games still had to be won and it was men like these who ensured that they were.

Steve played in the losing Cup final against Cardiff in 1984 and was at the heart of the team which won the Welsh championship in 1986/87. He was part of the ‘farming’ core of the Neath pack and his last big game was the Cup final against Llanelli in 1988 – all told he played a magnificent 317 games for Neath.

He remained in touch with the Club via the Neath Former Players and his qualities were recognised when he was installed in the Neath Rugby Supporters’ Club ‘Hall of Fame’.

Neath secretary Mike Price said, “Steve Dando was a Neath forward of the best type – immensely strong, utterly reliable and very durable, always there for his team on the field and an unassuming gentleman off it. He played 10 seasons in the Neath pack which speaks for itself.

“Steve was in at the start of the Neath Revolution and his true worth was not realised outside. His legacy remained because Neath would not have gone on to achieve what we did without the part he played in turning things around.

“We are all so sad to hear of the passing of a true All Black and the Club’s condolences go to his family and friends.”