News

Bridgend Athletic RFC offer its condolences to the family of Paul Jones on his very sad passing last weekend aged 49.

Paul was an extremely tall lock and all who knew him at the Ath had nicknamed him” Stretch”. He went to Brynteg School and played alongside club Chairman Stuart Morris in a Bridgend Athletic team captained by Lee Grabham, winning Wales U18 Caps in season 1990-91. Paul also made Ath senior appearances before itchy feet saw him play for 6 other clubs Neath, Llanelli, Newport, Leeds, Maesteg & Caerphilly

He made 74 appearances for the Scarlets between 1992 and 1996 scoring 15 tries. He also appeared for Wales U21.

While making 14 appearances for Newport between 1999 and 2001 he had 1 Wales B Cap.

During his time at Caerphilly he represented them in the 2003 European Shield against Castres at Reading’s Majeski Stadium.

Tributes to Paul have been made from many friends he made playing rugby including Jonathan Davies, Emyr Lewis, Rupert Moon and Phil Steele.

Bridgend Athletics’ Chairman and playing partner and close friend Stuart Morris added “Paul was my friend since our playing days in the Ath youth team over 30 years ago. He was an inspirational and dedicated player fully deserving his U18 Caps from the Ath, always putting in the effort on the training ground. Despite playing for many different clubs he remained an Ath boy at heart and except for his time away in Leeds, always came back to the club to socialise with his friend’s post-match. He was a big man with a bigger personality, and a loyal friend with a big heart. Myself and his circle of Ath friends will miss him terribly. My condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.”