TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of former Pontypool RFC 'legend' Benjamin 'Benny' Jones.

Mr Jones had been struggling with ill health for some time and he died on Thursday January 8 at the age of 81.

Born in Pontnewynydd on March 19, 1933, Mr Jones was educated at Abersychan Grammar School and St Luke’s College, Exeter.

A prodigious fly-half, he gained a Welsh Schoolboys rugby cap in 1948. He also won an under-18’s cap for Wales’ national football team in 1950-51.

Despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal, Mr Jones remained committed to rugby and first played for Pontypool in 1952.

A teacher by profession, the pinnacle of his rugby career came when he captained Pontypool RFC to its first post-war Welsh Championship in 1958-59.

He was subsequently shortlisted for the final 40 places for the 1959 British Lions tour.

A Welsh reserve on many occasions, a full Welsh cap ultimately eluded him.

In 2004, Pontypool Free Press readers voted Mr Jones the best Pontypool player of all-time.

Terry ‘Tiger’ Simons, 79, of Pontnewynydd - Pooler dedicated kit man for decades - called him the best fly-half never to play for Wales.

He said: “I knew him for years and he was one of the finest rugby players I’ve ever seen.

“He was the best out-half never to play for Wales, no doubt about it. He read the game as it went on and could see it opening up or closing down. He was a wonderful player.

“He wanted to play, not for money, but for the love of the game."

He added: “He was Pontypool through and through and was such a nice person. He was very knowledgeable about rugby

“He was always impeccably dressed and would talk to anyone. He could talk for hours if he knew you and used to sit with me when he watched Pontypool.”

A statement on Pontypool RFC’s Facebook page read: "Benny was truly a rugby great and a proper legend throughout our valley and beyond. He was without doubt the best Welsh outside half never to be capped.

“We were graced with his presence both as a player who captained our side and as a coach, what a fantastic ambassador. His stories and tales will be sorely missed.

“Our condolences go out to his wife and to his sons and daughters, RIP Ben and God bless. X”

Peter Jeffreys, chief executive at Pontypool RFC, added: “Benny was a legendary player and very well thought of. Pontypool supporters will miss him greatly.

“Everyone at the club passes on our condolences to his family at this time.”