**Welsh Rugby Community Pays Tribute as Newport Legend Laid to Rest and International Star Faces Uncertain Summer**
The Welsh rugby world paused on Friday as the life and legacy of Brian Jones, the enduring stalwart of Newport RFC and the national team, was commemorated at Newport Cathedral. Jones, affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Newport’, devoted seven decades of unwavering loyalty and service to the Black and Ambers, both on and off the pitch.
Family, friends and members of the rugby community gathered to bid a poignant farewell to Jones, whose extraordinary contribution to Welsh rugby began in his formative years in the mining village of Cwmcarn. His daughter, Lisa, delivered a heartfelt tribute entitled ‘A Boy From Cwmcarn’, reflecting on how Jones’s upbringing in a close-knit working-class community forged his renowned resilience and determination—traits that later defined his rugby career.
The service was marked by moving moments, notably a stirring rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, a nod to Jones’s passion for Liverpool FC, performed by Richard Beavis. The family’s connection with South Africa was also a dominant theme, with Jones’s granddaughter reading a poem in his honour. Lisa recollected how her father’s affection for South Africa was deeply rooted, proudly highlighting his unique achievement as the first non-South African to become a life member of the Northern Transvaal club—an accolade he relished, donning his special blazer with great pride.
Amidst the tributes, humour also found its place. One anecdote recounted Jones’s playful rivalry with fellow Welsh great Barry John: “And you can tell that Barry John, I am the original B.J!” It was a reminder of Jones’s wit and the camaraderie that underpins so much of rugby’s spirit.
Jones’s impact on Newport RFC was profound, accumulating an incredible 330 appearances before undertaking roles as a coach, chairman and president. He earned two caps for Wales and enjoyed a stint with the famed Barbarians, leaving an indelible mark across several generations of the game.
Elsewhere in the Welsh rugby landscape, Cardiff Rugby have secured the futures of two key players. Dan Thomas, formerly of Bristol Bears, and Danny Southworth, who arrived from Exeter Chiefs, have both committed to new deals with the capital club. Southworth, eligible for Wales, has already established himself since his arrival, making 17 appearances and expressing his contentment with life in Cardiff. “I was welcomed into the group from day one and I’m loving living in Cardiff, it’s a brilliant city,” he remarked, optimism brimming about the club’s direction.
Thomas echoed the sentiment, praising the club’s competitive environment and the chance to “show what I can bring to this team”. His consistency at the breakdown has been vital for Cardiff, and fans will be hoping both players can help propel the region forward next season.
However, not all the news was positive. Joe Hawkins, the promising Wales centre who joined Exeter Chiefs last season and is set to move to the Scarlets, faces an untimely setback. Hawkins will miss the remainder of the Premiership campaign due to an ankle injury sustained during Exeter’s recent clash with Gloucester. Medical scans confirmed he would be sidelined for at least four weeks, essentially ending his spell with the English club ahead of schedule. With the Premiership play-offs out of reach, Hawkins’ primary focus will now be recovering in time for potential Wales selection for the Japan Test series this summer—a prospect suddenly in doubt following his injury.
Exeter Chiefs, in their official statement, noted that while Hawkins would not require surgery, his rehabilitation would continue under the watchful eyes of the club’s medical staff. The next few weeks will be crucial not only for Hawkins’s professional ambitions but also for Warren Gatland’s Wales squad preparations.
In European rugby, Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock has drawn inspiration from an unlikely source as his side prepare for a daunting Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster. Director of rugby Phil Dowson set the tone this week by referencing the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2004 World Series comeback, using it as an example for Pollock and teammates to never give up, regardless of the odds.
Pollock, just 20 years old and already nominated for Investec player of the year, has been quick to embrace the message, stating, “It’s the confidence aspect. Like, you’re never really out of it.” The Saints are considered underdogs ahead of Saturday’s clash, but with youthful exuberance and the lessons of sporting history, they head to Dublin with renewed self-belief.
As the domestic and European seasons reach their climax, these stories highlight the evolving tapestry of rugby—where legends are cherished, emerging talents are celebrated, and the enduring spirit of the game continues to unite communities across Wales and beyond.