Ring’s tribute to ‘great character’ Blackmore
FORMER Wales international Steve Blackmore has passed away at the age of 58.
The former Cardiff and Wales prop was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and initially given six to 12 months to live.
Blackmore, affectionately known as ‘Wally,’ first discovered something was wrong after losing coordination in his left hand before going to work as a parcel courier.
Mark Ring, his former Cardiff team-mate, paid tribute to Blackmore, saying: “We’d grown up together through rugby. We came from different parts of Cardiff – he was Canton and I was Splott.
“But we went on tour as schoolboys and went through the Cardiff youth together.
“We both came into the ranks at Cardiff and even played at the World Cup together in 1987 when we finished third.
“He was unbelievable as a bloke. He was full of life, always up for the craic and the windups. That was what he was known for.
“Wally was the life and soul of the party. I’d been working with him recently. Even when he diagnosed, he wouldn’t give up the work.
“He was still doing his parcel deliveries in the city centre. Eventually he couldn’t drive, but he had someone driving for him and he’d show them the routes and where to park in town without getting a ticket.
“I’ve just got happy memories of growing up with a great player and great character.”
Blackmore spent his entire career with the Blue and Blacks, making 169 appearances between 1982 and 1996.
He was also capped four times for his country in 1987, including the World Cup bronze medal match victory over Australia that secured Wales their highest-ever finish at a World Cup.
He is survived by his partner Louise and his daughters Kendall and Kerys, and son Sydney.
Speaking about his illness last year, Blackmore said: “The prognosis just before Christmas was six to 12 months.
“But I will give it a bash. That’s all I can do.
“I have children and grandchildren and I want to see them grow up. I will fight it and see how it goes.
“I think about things the same way. My attitude in many respects hasn’t changed.”