It is with great sadness that we heard recently of the passing of former player and committee member Andrew ‘Gonzo’ Williams, writes Brecon RFC President Andy Lewis.

Andrew was a staunch supporter of the club and during his lifetime he gave up so much of his time to help wherever he could.

Andrew followed in his father Norman’s footsteps and became a member of the club beginning his playing career representing our youth side and then progressing into the senior sides. Andrew played for a number of years for the club and usually turned out at scrum half.

After hanging up his boots he carried out a number of roles within the club including coaching, team management, refereeing and administration. Andrew alongside his good friend Lyn Parry worked together to coach and manage the Second XV for a number of years and ensured that there was a steady supply of players transitioning from youth rugby into senior rugby.

Andrew was a member of the club committee for many years and assisted in the management of the club through difficult periods in time.

He was never afraid of asking the difficult questions and posing challenges for those in ultimate control of the club and his scrutiny helped keep things on track.

Andrew was also a keen supporter of the mini and junior section of the club and followed the progress of his son Ryan through the age groups and into senior rugby.

There were many Sunday mornings when the two elder generations of the Williams family would have been at Parc De Pugh watching and supporting Ryan.

Present and past members of the club committee and board have been quick to acknowledge and pay tribute to Andrew and the vast amount of time and effort he dedicated to the club.

Current Chairman Paul Amphlett said: “Andrew was a well-respected and much loved member of Brecon RFC. He was a very gifted player and along with the rest of his family involved with much of the daily running of the club.

“His kind nature and amazing bubbly personality will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and love go out to his immensely proud family during this sad time. Andrew was also held in high esteem within the fire service spending years progressing through the ranks and helping others in difficult circumstances. This was the kind nature of the man who will never be forgotten.”

One of Andrews close friends and current club business development director Colin Evans said: “Gonzo was a larger than life character who touched the hearts of everyone he met. For the many years I knew Andrew he was always great company but never one to shy away from holding people to account. Always for the best of intentions.

“I am proud to have called Andrew a close friend and will fondly remember the many trips away and nights out spent together. Never quite knowing how they would end but we would always have a good laugh on the way. He will be sadly missed and will leave a huge hole in so many people’s lives.

“My sincerest of best wishes to Lisa, Ryan ,Ioan and all the family”.

Former club chairman and president Brendan Cullinane paid the following tribute:

“Andrew was a true rugby man through and through. He was an invaluable member of Brecon BRFC throughout his relatively short life into which he put so much. He suffered from ill health through latter years but put on a brave face throughout it all even though there must have been some private dark moments.

“It was a pleasure to have known him and his passing is and will continue to be a sad loss to all that have known him and to none less than his family and his many friends at Brecon RFC.”

Brecon RFC will always be grateful for Andrew’s contribution the rich history of the club and we will never forget the great contribution he made to rugby and our community. He was an outgoing friendly person and he will be sadly missed by many people who were proud to call him their friend. The club would like to thank and pay tribute to Andrew for his contribution to rugby in Brecon and particularly his commitment to Brecon RFC over many years

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Norman, Yvonne, Paul, Lisa, Ryan and Ioan and all his family and friends at this difficult time.

Andrew was a Brecon RFC man through and through, taken too soon.

Thanks Gonz and rest in peace.