TRIBUTES ‘True legend’ and ‘keystone’ of club

A RUGBY league stalwart who has been described as a “true legend” and the “keystone” of a Valleys club has died at the age of 53.

Tributes have poured in for Rhondda Outlaws RLFC chairman Clive Batchelor after his sudden death on August 13.

Brought up in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Clive attended Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

As an adult, he lived for many years in Merthyr Tydfil.

During his career the dad of two helped to establish the open-age side at the Outlaws two years ago, after it was originally founded as a junior club.

Before that, he worked tirelessly for the Valley Cougars, where he held the roles of team manager and then chairman.

A passionate sportsman, he was also a big follower of the Welsh representative game, especially the Wales Dragonhearts, where he was always proud to watch his players gain international honours.

Professionally, he worked as a psychiatric nurse in St Tydfils Hospital and in the community sector in Merthyr before following a career in security.

He will be sorely missed by his mother Beryl, wife Jacqueline, sister Carole, daughters Cerys and Rhiannon and his three grandsons – Tom, Max and Teddie.

A statement from Rhondda Outlaws said: “Clive worked tirelessly to help establish the senior team at the Outlaws and he instilled his sense of integrity, respect, decency and most importantly his passion for rugby league into the club.

“Although we have lost the keystone of our club, his hard work and dedication will ensure the Outlaws can continue on and strive for future glory.

“Whilst his Outlaws family grieve, we also celebrate the love he had for this club and the love he had for his family.

“Having recently become a grandfather, we feel utter sorrow for the loss his family are feeling.”

To pay tribute to the family man, the club will dedicate its player of the season award to Clive.

In future it will be known as the Clive Batchelor Award and will be presented annually to the Outlaw who gives his all for his team.

A statement from the Valley Cougars said: “Clive was always such a passionate fan of rugby league and has been a big influence on the sport in South Wales.

“A massive character off the field and was always there for players when they needed him, a true Cougars legend.”