Tributes to rugby man after cycling tragedy
TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular rugby man who died after being hit by a car while cycling on Christmas Eve.
Chairman of the Welsh Charitables RFC David Power, 64, was a well-known figure throughout the rugby community.
Known by friends as “Dapper”, his family have paid tribute to the much-loved family man.
A statement from his sister Sue said: “David Power (Dapper) was and always will be a much-loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. He was taken from us far, far too soon due to a tragic accident on Christmas Eve.”
Gwent Police are appealing for witnesses following the collision, which took place in Cwmbran on the morning of December 24.
A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, and has since been released under investigation.
In the family’s statement, Sue added: “David loved life and was full of fun. He was so proud of learning Welsh and would greet his nephews and nieces with a cheeky ‘shwmae’.
“To say he liked rugby would be an understatement, he loved it, along with all his many rugby friends of all ages.”
His family added he was “totally dedicated” to his work as honourable secretary to the Welsh Charitables RFC, which he “thoroughly enjoyed”.
Sue said: “There have been so many tributes to him on social media that we are overwhelmed, thank you all so much, they have been a great comfort to us all at this very sad time.
“Our David has left a huge void in our lives – a void that nobody else can ever fill.
“We are indeed heartbroken. Our only consolation is that he is now reunited with our Dad, Mam and sister Mary.
“May he rest in peace. From your loving sister Sue.”
Friend and former Welsh international player, Terry Cobner, also paid tribute to a man he described as a “larger-than-life character”.
Terry said: “David attended Llantarnam School, Cwmbran, where I had the good fortune to be his PE teacher. He was a real character in school, always immaculately dressed.”
He described how David possessed “a deep baritone voice” that could be heard all over the school, and “impeccable manners”.
He added: “He loved his rugby and was a solid prop forward for both the school and on leaving for Girlings RFC Cwmbran.
“On retiring David turned his energies to resurrecting the Welsh
Charitables RFC, an organisation based in Cwmbran which originally raised money for charity by playing games on Sundays.
“With the advent of professionalism and the difficulty in gaining the release of players from their clubs, he changed the focus of the Charitables to raising money through the medium of rugby tribute dinners.
“He put his heart and soul into this and was almost single-handedly responsible for making it the great success it became.
“David, or ‘Dapper’ as he was universally known, was a larger-thanlife character who was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.
“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Figures from the world of rugby have also joined David’s friends and family in paying tribute to him, including former Wales internationals Jim Mills and Jonathan Davies, and rugby referee Nigel Owens.
“This is very, very sad. A wonderful, genuine man,” said Owens.
Gwent Police are appealing for information following the incident, which took place in the area of Cwmbran Drive and Henllys Way, Cwmbran, at approximately 11am on Thursday, December 24.
A statement from Gwent Police said: “During the collision, we believe a Mercedes Sprinter van collided with a cyclist.
“Sadly, a 64-year-old cyclist, who we can now name as David Power from the Cwmbran area, died at the scene.”
It continued: “A 23-year-old man from the Caerphilly County Borough area was arrested at the scene on suspicion of death by careless driving.
“He has since been released under investigation.
“Officers are now trying to establish the circumstances of this incident and are requesting any motorists using the road around this time to please check any dashcam footage that may provide further information that will assist officers.”
Anyone with any information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Gwent Police on 101 or direct message them on Facebook or Twitter, quoting: 2000463449.