Tributes paid after young Welsh rugby player dies
TRIBUTES have poured in for a young Welsh rugby player who has died at the age of 20.
Young hooker Owen Bennett had recently joined Nelson in Division One East after progressing through the junior, youth and senior ranks at Caerphilly RFC.
He represented the Dragons at U16 and U18 levels and apart from one season at Bargoed five years ago, had been with Caerphilly since the age of 10.
His performances for the club saw Owen, who was from the Bargoed area, break into the senior team despite still being a youth team player.
The Castletown club opened up Virginia Park on Monday night for players, officials and supporters to receive grief counselling.
Caerphilly chairman Gareth Ashman said: “It is horrendous news and we’re all devastated.
“You always hear about people being the life and soul and Owen really was. He was always having a laugh.
“When you think he’s been playing senior team rugby for probably two years, he was a bit of a beast in great shape and a very physical player.
“He never took a step backwards on the pitch and he was the nicest guy in the world off it.
“He played for the Dragons at U18 and U16 and was in the regional set-up at that time.
“We’ve got a huge junior and mini section here at Caerphilly and those youngsters aspire to be like Owen having seen him come through the ranks.
“I’ve got three boys myself and I just can’t imagine what Owen’s parents are going through.
“I’m devastated for Owen and his family.
“In his first year out of youth he quickly became our firstchoice hooker.
“He played a lot of first team rugby for us in his last year in youth rugby.
A statement on the Nelson Facebook account said of their young hooker: “Absolutely devastated today to hear of the passing of one of our newly signed players Owen Bennett.
“Owen was a promising prospect and an all round great character, having transferred to us recently from Caerphilly RFC we were over the moon to have him ply his trade in the Unicorn Jersey.
“His passing will leave a hole in the club and will be devastating for his family and close friends.
“They remain in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
“Rest in peace Benny.”