Welsh rugby coach David Tovey dies suddenly aged early 40s

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 20:03 · Archive

David 'Dai' Tovey, a youth coach at Risca RFC and former player, has died suddenly at around 40.

David 'Dai' Tovey, a youth coach at Risca RFC, has died suddenly on Sunday morning. He was understood to be in his early 40s. He leaves behind his wife Carys and their three children, Honey, Poppy and Griff.

Tovey was a well-known figure across the grassroots rugby scene in Newport and Caerphilly, both as a player and coach. He had represented Wales at junior and youth level earlier in his career. Multiple clubs where he had been involved as a player and coach have paid tribute to him, including Crumlin RFC, Oakdale RFC, Abercarn RFC, Hafodyrynys RFC, Pontllanfraith RFC and Brynithel RFC.

Risca RFC said the club "cannot express the shock and sadness" it is feeling at his loss. Tovey has been remembered as a "true rugby man" and an "absolute gentleman". Pontllanfraith RFC described his death as a "significant loss for grassroots rugby in the area", while other clubs remembered him as an uncompromising competitor on the pitch and a kind and respected person away from it.

How it is being reported

• Rugby clubs unite after sudden and devastating news about much-loved coachA rugby community is in mourning following the sudden death of a much-loved coach and former player.South Wales Argus · 13 Oct, 19:30
• Popular Welsh rugby player and coach dies suddenly as clubs pay tributeThe much-loved coach has been remembered as a 'true rugby man' and an 'absolute gentleman'WalesOnline · 13 Oct, 14:07

In this story: David 'Dai' Tovey · Risca RFC · Carys Tovey · Newport · Caerphilly · Wales · Crumlin RFC · Oakdale RFC

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem