Tributes to a ‘true gent and rugby man’
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Welsh-born teacher and rugby club stalwart who has died suddenly at his home in New Zealand.
Bridgend-born Dorian Caudy, 49, a father of three daughters and two sons, died after suffering a brain haemorrhage at his home in Auckland, New Zealand, last weekend.
His devastated wife Joanne said rugby fan Mr Caudy had been watching the touring Wales team training shortly before he suffered the sudden illness.
Mr Caudy, also known as “Dozza”, was a popular teacher at Swansea’s Morriston Comprehensive School and former team manager and club chairman at Penclawdd RFC.
His funeral will be held in New Zealand on Friday.
He has been working at Sir Edmund Hillary College, teaching woodwork.
Current chairman of Penclawdd RFC Anthony Bennett said: “I was a coach when he first came to Penclawdd and Dorian began to know everyone very quickly, he was that kind of guy.
“He was extremely popular straight away and was immensely respected and he became team manager at Penclawdd – a job which he was very good at. He later became chairman and did an equally good job in that role.
“I got to know him very well in his time here and I can say without fear of contradiction he was a great guy.
“He was a teacher at Morriston Comprehensive when he was here and I know people at the school thought a lot of him as we did here.
“He was the type of person who would do anything for you and he did a lot for Penclawdd RFC.
“He loved rugby and as I understand it from his wife Jo who rang me from New Zealand, he was watching Wales training shortly before he suffered the brain haemorrhage.
“He underwent surgery but sadly passed away.
“He was really enjoying life in New Zealand. The thoughts of everyone at Penclawdd RFC go out to his family and many friends.”
Mr Bennett is organising a reunion for Penclawdd RFC players and others who knew Mr Caudy at the Penclawdd clubhouse on July 2 at 3pm.
He said: “Jo wants us to celebrate him and his life so we can give our own personal send-off to the great man”.
Tributes have been paid on social media to Mr Caudy.
Penclawdd RFC said: “Sad to announce the sudden death of former chairman Dorian Caudy. A great clubman he will be sorely missed by all.”
Ceri Davies tweeted: “Terrible news about Dorian. Top bloke. RIP.”
Edward Curtis added on Twitter: “RIP Dorian. A true gent and a real rugby man.”