TRIBUTES Kitman Dai was ‘a tremendous fellow’

A POPULAR kitman and “true servant” of Pontypridd RFC has been remembered.

Thomas David “Dai” Bricks died on June 3, aged 80. According to the rugby club, his long association with it extends back to the late seventies, when he first made his way into the Ponty set-up after an invitation from Cenydd Thomas, learning his trade from then baggage master Mike Williams.

Affectionately known by everyone as Dai Bricks, he took over in charge of kit preparation, and has since worked under a succession of coaches – Billy Griffiths, Joe Smith, Chris and Clive Jones, Les Brown, Spike Watkins, Richie Collins, Dennis John and Lynn Howells, Justin Burnell, Simon King, Paul John, Dale McIntosh, Geraint Lewis and Rob Sidoli – all came and went in their time but Dai remained a Ponty institution.

A club spokesman said: “At every training session and at every game, home and away, Dai would be busy handling the Pontypridd kit, laces and studs and all things related and pandering to the players’ every need.

“He did so with a dry humour and a unique outlook on life.”

He added: “The thoughts of everyone at Pontypridd RFC are with Dai’s immediate family in their time of grief.”

Friend James Nicholas wrote on Facebook: “A tremendous fellow. A gentleman and a friend to all the players.

“Characters like him are irreplaceable. Condolences to his family.”

Dai, who passed away after a battle with illness. is survived by wife Sandra, daughter Delyth and grandchildren Oliver and Amelia.

The spokesman added: “He was a true Ponty stalwart and will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.”

His funeral was held on June 16, with a cremation service at Glyntaff Crematorium. After the service, mourners returned to the clubhouse to share memories of a “much-loved character”.

The family requested no flowers for the service, but said donations can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support.