Tributes paid to rugby stalwart and councillor
TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of the Carmarthenshire rugby scene and former community councillor.
Alun West was from Burry Port and had moved to Llangunnor, Carmarthen, later in life with his wife Ann.
He was a life member of the Welsh Society of Referees and also a life member of the Llanelli District Rugby Union.
He was also a life member of Nantgaredig RFC, where he spent a lot of time in recent years.
Mr West passed away in the early hours of Saturday, April 24, aged 85, following a recent stroke.
Ellis Davies at All Wales Sport, which specialises in publishing online sport results, tables and fixtures, paid tribute by describing Mr West as “one of the longest servants of local rugby”.
Mr Davies, who is also secretary of Llanelli District Rugby Union, added: “As well as being a former club secretary at Burry Port RFC, he also served the Llanelli District Ruby Union for many years as fixture secretary, secretary, referee advisor and then as president.”
As well as administrative roles in rugby, he was also involved in Welsh
Rugby Union (WRU) refereeing and was part of the refereeing team at Wales’s Grand Slam-winning clash against France in Cardiff in 1978.
Bryan Phillips, who has recently retired as secretary at Nantgaredig RFC, said Mr West was a huge character in rugby circles, albeit a quiet man.
He said: “Alun was what we call ‘one of the best’.
“He came to Nantgaredig RFC while aged in his 70s, because he had moved to Carmarthen from Burry Port and so he got involved with the club.
“He used to work the gate at matches and his knowledge of rugby and how to do things around the sport was incredible.
“If I had a fixture problem or couldn’t see a solution to something, Alun would know.”
Mr Phillips said over the years Mr West became known by rugby fans all over Wales.
Having left school and worked at Trostre steelworks, Mr West’s rugbyplaying career started with the Pembrey youth side.
Over the years his love of grassroots rugby also meant he had a keen eye
for talent, which he put to use when he started refereeing.
Mr Phillips said: “He could spot talent, he had a real knack for it.
“He saw Nigel Owens refereeing as a youngster in Nantgaredig and said he would go far. He wasn’t
wrong.
“It was like a sixth sense, he could tell if someone had the making of a good referee.”
Indeed, top international ref Nigel Owens paid his own tribute to Mr West and credited him with starting him off down the path on his refereeing career.
Posting on Twitter, he said: “Deepest sympathy to his beloved wife Ann and all the family. Very sad to hear of the passing of one of the nicest and most genuine persons you could ever meet.
“He was the one that started me refereeing. RIP Alun West and thank you so much for everything.”
Several clubs have also taken to social media to pay tribute.
Carmarthen Athletic RFC tweeted: “Very sad news indeed.
“Great ref and administrator, always on hand to give great advice and assistance.”
Carmarthen Quins RFC also passed on its condolences to Mr West’s family and friends.
Mr West was also a community councillor, serving as Llangunnor Community Council chairman in 2011.
Council chairman Robin Griffiths said: “Alun was a proper gentleman. He was chairman in 2011 and took a keen interest in Llangunnor Park.
“He will be sadly missed in the community.”
Mr West’s funeral is being held at Llanelli Crematorium tomorrow (May 6).