MORE than 150 mourners gathered to pay tribute to a popular Pontypool RFC talent scout yesterday.

St Cadoc’s church in Trevethin was full as friends and relatives came together to remember former Pooler player Harry Vaux at his funeral.

The dad of eight brought up in Rockhill Road, Pontypool, died of vascular disease on December 28. He was 76.

Rev Canon Brian Pippen conducted the service.

Speaking about Mr Vaux, Rev Pippen told the congregation: “Today we are celebrating his life, contribution to his friends, his family and his whole community.

“May he rest in peace.”

The congregation came together singing hymns including How Great Thou Art and The Old Rugged Cross.

The Chris de Burgh hit Lady in Red was played as pallbearers carried the coffin out of the church.

The Argus reported how Mr Vaux played for Pooler before introducing talented players to the former international prop Ray Prosser during the heyday of Pontypool RFC.

He loved all sports, was a good cricketer and had a passion for horse racing.

He was enrolled into U20 Welsh rugby squad, played centre at Pontypool RFC and cricket at Panteg.

He had such an astute mind he found himself giving tips to bookmakers and was said to have his “own school” at Ladbrokes.

Friends remembered him as a “half chancer”, a “loveable rogue” and a family man with a good sense of humour.

Mr Vaux leaves four daughters from a first marriage and four stepchildren with his partner Cynthia Needs.