Former Wales prop Steve Blackmore has died aged 58 after suffering from a brain tumour.
Blackmore featured four times for his country, including three appearances at the 1987 World Cup where he lined up in Wales' win over Australia in the bronze-medal match.
At club level, he played 169 times for Cardiff between 1982 and 1996.
Mark Ring, Blackmore's teammate for club and country, led the tributes to 'a brilliant player' and 'a real fun-loving character'.
"Absolutely devastated to lose a life long friend," he write on Twitter. "We met at Cardiff School Trials when very young.
"Steve ‘Wally’ Blackmore was a brilliant player, (ironically, one of the fittest forwards in Cardiff’s squad) a real fun loving character who will be sadly missed by all. RIP Wally."
Blackmore had been battling illness since first being diagnosed with a grade-four brain tumour in December 2018.
Cardiff chairman Chris Norman said: "Steve was Cardiff through and through and everyone who played with him admired him for the way he made the most of himself.
"He always stepped up regardless of the challenge put in front of him.
"He took his on-field attitude into his recent battle against the tumour. He never complained, always fought against his illness and lived life to the full right to the end.
"We are all devastated at having lost such a loyal and committed friend and Cardiff clubman. Our thoughts and love got out at this difficult time to his family and friends. He will never be forgotten at the Arms Park."
