Brian Rees, an ex-hooker for Wales, has died at the ripe old age of 79.
Neath-born Rees won three Caps in the 1967 Five Nations Championship. He went on to become an a surgeon after completing his medical studies at Cambridge University.
In 2000, he was appointed the University Hospital of Wales’ chief cancer clinician. The same year, he was given an OBE for services to medicine.
Rees held the post until 2006, and was made High Sheriff for South Glamorgan in 2008
John Taylor, an ex-back-rower who won his cap against Scotland in the same year as Rees, and played at London Welsh alongside him, gave tribute to him.
“Brian was proud of his Neath heritage, and there was definitely a touch of the Neath around him on the field. Taylor stated that Neath were loved, hated, and admired equally for the hard edge and determination they brought to rugby. Brian was also fierce on the field.”
He could be a danger on the field, but off it, he was charmed, witty, and lots of fun.