Wales centre Owen Watkin has paid tribute to a friend who died suddenly over the weekend.
Bryncethin RFC is currently in mourning after winger Ryan James passed away on Saturday at the age of 23.
The news has devastated the club and Wales star Watkin, who came up through the ranks at the Division 3 West club, posted his own message on social media yesterday.
"Going to be hugely missed by everyone, RIP Ry," read his post on Instagram, accompanied by three pictures of himself, James and mates.
The Ospreys star has been in camp with Wales as they prepare to face England in the first of four World Cup warm-up matches on Sunday.
Tributes poured in yesterday after news of James' passing emerged.
Top referee Nigel Owens was among those to post a message, while Caerphilly RFC, whose former hooker Owen Bennett died suddenly on July 22 aged 20, offered its support to Bryncethin.
Bryncethin secretary Andrew Jones said: “We are devastated at this unexpected news and it’s come as a real shock.
“Some of his teammates had been out with Ryan on Friday night and dropped him off at his home just after midnight.
“He had been full of beans about this coming season and had been training hard, with the club and on an individual basis.
“Ryan was 23 and lived and breathed Bryncethin RFC. He was a very determined runner who took some stopping and also had quite deceptive foot-work.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up in order to raise money to pay for a memorial bench to be created.
