All of us at Ballina RFC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our ex-coach Gary Samuel in Wales. His son, Rhodri has been in touch to inform us of the sad news and was very gracious in his time of sorrow.
"I wish to inform the club that ex-coach Gary Samuel passed away on Monday morning. He made many friends during his few years coaching at the club and he very much appreciated the welcome and craic!"
Gary was a native of the famous rugby stronghold, the Amman Valley, and made his name with Cardiff Rugby as a talented, combative scrum-half between 1965 and 1976 - making 112 first team appearances and scoring 13 tries for the capital city club.
The scrum half was a member of the club’s first overseas tour to South Africa in 1967, and later featured on the 1972 tour to Rhodesia.
He then went on to represent Pontypridd RFC and, after hanging up his boots, returned to the Arms Park to coach the Blue and Blacks to a Schweppes Cup win, alongside Roger Beard.
At Pontypridd, Gary made 50 appearances, scoring seven tries, one conversion and two drop-goals during three seasons with the club.
In Ballina, everyone who encountered Gary are today saddened to hear of his passing and extend our sympathies to his wife, Bethan and son Rhodri at this time of deep sorrow. May he rest in peace.