Caerphilly Observer
Menu
  • News
    • Business
    • Opinion
    • Covid-19 stats
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Notices
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Log in
  • My account
Menu

Final farewell for former Cross Keys rugby prop

News, Sport | | Published: 15:06, Friday July 31st, 2020.
Last updated: 15:06, Friday July 31st, 2020
Former Cross Keys prop Richie Donovan has died aged 63
Former Cross Keys prop Richie Donovan has died aged 63

Former Cross Keys prop Richie Donovan had an emotional send-off at Pandy Park on Monday, July 27.

Mourners packed the stand at the ground as his coffin was carried onto the field where he played many of his 412 games for the club.

The 63-year-old lost his battle with stomach cancer on July 9.

The prop had been fighting the disease with the same all-out commitment and tenacity he displayed on the field throughout an outstanding career that also took in appearances for Pontypool, Newport, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, Crawshay’s and UWIC.

A special tribute dinner was held for him at Pandy Park earlier this year and among the many stars who turned up was Wales and British and Irish Lions legend Graham Price.

Mourners packed the stand at Pandy Park to pay tribute to Richie Donovan
Mourners packed the stand at Pandy Park to pay tribute to Richie Donovan

“You only have to look at the number of games of first-class rugby Richie played, and the length of his commitment to Cross Keys, to understand why everyone who played with him rated him so highly as a team mate and clubman,” said Price.

“I remember packing down on the opposite side of the front row to him in a number of games for Pontypool and he always had our utmost respect. He played 450 games for Keys, which is a tribute to his longevity, talent and fitness.

“Tight head props in our era never earned the plaudits, or the money, that they do today, but still had to put in the work at twice as many scrums. Richie must have packed down in thousands of scrums during his career and was always a handful for his opposite number.

“You can only applaud a player who committed so much to one club during his career and I’m sure he will be sorely missed by everyone connected to Cross Keys.”

Tributes paid to rugby club’s mini and junior chairperson

Even at the age of 38 he kept turning out for UWIC in the Welsh Leagues in a player-coach role. That came about when his former Keys coach, Steve Williams, asked him to help out with the students.

“Richie was a fantastic clubman, a very strong prop and a wonderful person. I played with him at the end of my career and then brought him to Cross Keys from Pontypool,” recalled former Wales Under 21 coach, Williams.

“Then, at the end of his career, he helped me out at UWIC when I was coaching there. He was great at passing on his knowledge to the students and also turned out in a few matches.

“He commanded utmost respect from his team mates and the opposition. He was one of those players that nobody enjoyed playing against.

Article courtesy of WRU.co.uk


Stay informed with quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

We believe the public should be informed about their community, coherently and with context. However, running a professional news service comes at a financial cost.

We are asking readers for their support to help us develop and grow our service.

Our membership costs from just £3 a month and in return, you can use our website without adverts.

Thank you.

Become a member – cancel anytime

Pontypool RFC
Cross Keys RFC

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Latest News

  • Gwent Police issue more than 100 fines for Covid-19 breaches – including 15 at a house party
    Monday, January 25, 2021
  • Children walking in the snow at Parc PenalltaCaerphilly covered in blanket of snow
    Monday, January 25, 2021
  • Colliery Road, LlanbradachPolice still looking into cannabis factory discovery
    Monday, January 25, 2021
  • South Wales East Senedd Member Laura Anne JonesRegional Senedd Member given new shadow cabinet role
    Monday, January 25, 2021
  • policePolice to take action against people who “blatantly” flout lockdown rules
    Friday, January 22, 2021
© 2009-2020 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Britannia House, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.