A Welsh rugby player who has died at the age of 31 has been described as "one of life’s nice guys".
Neil Williams died peacefully at home after an illness.
Touching tributes have since been paid to the talented and committed former hooker who was known for his positivity and sense of fun.
His mother Sharon Williams said: "Neil was a loving father, husband to Charlotte, brother and son.
"All he ever wanted was to be a dad.
"He was incredibly popular with a wide circle of friends both inside and outside rugby.
"We all loved him so much."
Neil worked for British Airways.
He was a Welsh speaker who attended Ysgol Llanhari and went on to play for a number of Welsh rugby clubs, including Maesteg, Pyle and Porthcawl.
Maesteg’s secretary Darren Farmer said: "It was a bolt from the blue to learn of Neil’s passing.
"He was with us for a couple of seasons and fitted in brilliantly.
"He always had a smile on his face and would chat to anyone.
"Neil was one of life’s good guys."
Neil had the odd injury while at Maesteg but became known as someone who would play anywhere for the team.
"He played prop, hooker and in the back row for us," recalled Maesteg’s press officer Dennis Thomas.
"I just recall him being ever so positive and affable."
Neil’s funeral procession will take place in Porthcawl on Friday, August 28, beginning at 11.15am, and will travel past Porthcawl RFC. The funeral service will be private due to coronavirus restrictions.
Sharon Williams added: "He was a character. As a youngster he became known as a cheeky chappie, someone who had a huge sense of fun.
"He never lost that sense of fun but he matured and was a great person.
"One of his friends put it nicely when he said of Neil: ‘He was as hard as nails on the pitch, but gentle and kind off it, an all-round top bloke.’
"We’ll never forget him."
