Rugby player ‘loved by so many’ dies suddenly
TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known Caerphilly rugby and football stalwart who died suddenly.
Anthony Williams passed away on Monday, August 31, at the age of 52.
A devoted husband to Joanna and father to Tom and Nick, Anthony was well-known in the community, having played for Caerphilly Rugby Club before setting up Cwrt Rawlin Football Club in 2001 – acting as chairman and a coach ever since.
As well as his involvement in the rugby and football clubs, he was also an avid golfer.
“His life and his passion was rugby until he couldn’t play anymore,” said his wife of 29 years, Joanna. “When he finished, he turned to football and golf. My mum actually taught him as an infant. We met in school at the age of 15 and have been together ever since. It’s just funny that when we met I never realised my mum had already taught him.
“He’s done lots of sport with his children and loved his life as a husband and dad.
“It’s such a shock to us all.” Anthony came through the youth set-up at Caerphilly Rugby Club, being involved in one of the biggest games in the club’s history, in 1993.
He played in the centre for the side that beat Felinfoel in a play-off to secure Heineken League status for the club.
“My memories of Anthony that game were being close to each other at the end of the game,” said David Price, Anthony’s friend and a former team-mate at Caerphilly.
“We embraced and were carried off the field together.
“He was a very talented player and very creative. There was one very infamous story where he once broke through in a very tight match and dived over the try-line – only to realise it was the five-metre line. He never lived that one down.”
After finishing with rugby, Anthony, also known as ‘Akins’ and ‘Shady’, turned his attention to football and golf – sports he would go on to play with his children for the next two decades.
In 2001 he set up Cwrt Rawlin Football Club, named after the farm that was originally in Joanna’s family, so his elder son, Tom, had someone to play for. In the 19 years since, the club has grown to the point where it now has 13 different age groups – from under-six right up to senior level.
“Tom wasn’t interested in rugby so Anthony set up the football club just for children to come together in the community,” said Joanna.
“His mission was to let all children play. That’s what he followed right through to today. He wanted children to have fun and keep fit.”
Anthony acted as chairman of the club, as well as helping to coach.
“He’s been my coach from when I was five all the way through to seniors,” said Tom.
“I had a bit of abuse off the boys for having my dad as coach, but it’s nice being involved with your dad.”
His dream had been for the football club to get its own pitch and clubhouse.
“We got close but never quite got there,” added Joanna.
“My youngest son has gone right through the club from the minute he was born to under-16s this year.
“He just did it for his sons to be involved in sport as his life was sport, and for children in the community as there was nothing in the area.”
As well as football, his youngest son Nick had started playing rugby three years ago – allowing Anthony to get involved with the sport again.
“He was a character who was loved by so many,” said David.
“It’s had such a massive effect on so many people and he leaves such a legacy behind.”