TRIBUTES have continued to be paid this week to a talented Chepstow rugby player who was a “true gent”.

Neill Allmark, 28, of Caldicot, who was known as Nellie, played as the blindside flanker for Chepstow Rugby Club on the first team for around 10 years.

All Chepstow rugby games were cancelled at the weekend in mark of respect to Mr Allmark who worked for Monmouthshire council as a duty officer at Chepstow Leisure Centre.

He is understood to have been in a heart hospital in England where he died on Friday but had been playing competitive rugby until very recently. His last game was said to have been just before Christmas.

A Chepstow RFC spokesman said: “On behalf of the whole club we would like to express our deep deep sadness at the passing of Nellie; like many of you we are still shocked and can’t quite believe this shattering news.

“Whatever our grief, we know it is nothing compared to the raw pain and loss that Melissa, Nicola, Nick and his family are feeling at this time and our prayers and thoughts are with them.”

He added: “As a club we commit to providing a lasting tribute to Nellie – a great player and an even greater man.”

Rugby clubs from across Gwent have paid tribute to the player including Abertillery BG, Usk and Magor.

Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Rhys Buckley wore a black armband against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in tribute to Mr Allmark who was his former captain in Caldicot.

He said: “He was a really good bloke and was my youth team captain when I was growing up. Nellie was a real leader and great to play under. Caldicot wore black armbands for their game (against Rhymney) so I wanted to do the same to pay tribute to Nellie.”

Members of Chepstow RFC gathered at the club house on Saturday to honour their friend and lay flowers at the grounds.

Helen Dymond, manager of Chepstow Leisure Centre, said: “He was a very dear colleague and friend who made an impact on all our lives at the centre over the last four years as a duty officer. He was a great young man, hardworking, determined, a talented rugby player and a true gent.

“We will miss him lots and as a centre we express our deepest condolences to his immediate and extended family and friends.

Kellie Beirne, Monmouthshire council’s chief officer for enterprise said it is likely the council will close its four leisure centres on the day of Mr Allmark’s funeral as a mark of respect and to allow his colleagues to attend.