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Newport RFC have paid tribute to their president and former Wales international Brian Jones, from Cwmcarn, who has passed away aged 89.

Brian, better known as BJ, made his debut for Newport RFC in 1953, and has been described by the club as “one of the greatest rugby men of a generation”.

Over more than seven decades, he served Newport RFC as a player, captain, coach, committee man, chairman, and most recently as president.

Brian represented Monmouthshire, Crawshays, the Royal Navy, the Barbarians, and earned two caps for Wales, making his international debut against Ireland in 1960.

He made an incredible 330 appearances for Newport RFC, amassing 566 points through 101 tries, 61 conversions, 33 penalties, and 14 drop goals.

Among his proudest achievements was becoming the only Welshman at the time to be on the winning side against all three major touring sides on home soil: playing in Newport’s famous win over Australia in 1957, helping the Barbarians defeat Avril Malan’s South Africa in 1960, and most memorably, overcoming the mighty New Zealand All Blacks in 1963.

His legacy extended beyond the pitch as he went on to coach Newport to a Welsh championship in 1968/69, and victory over the 1969 Springboks.

In recent years, Brian took pride in being appointed president in 2019 and remained an integral part the club right up until his passing.

The club added: “Brian’s footprint is etched into the fabric of Newport RFC, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and listen to him recall past glories.”