DENBIGH Rugby Club has paid tribute to one of its ‘highly-respected’ and ‘much-loved’ club figures who has died.

Michael (Mike) Hargraves has died aged 63. He leaves behind his wife Roberta and sons Gareth and Geraint.

At Denbigh Rugby Club, he was held in very high regard, having been associated with it since the early 2000’s.

A spokesperson for the rugby club said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of the highly respected and much loved club figure Mr Michael Hargraves.

“He was a devoted assistant to his wife Bobbie the Steward of the club, their hard work ensured an immaculate Clubhouse and a warm welcome to those who visited Caeau Les Phillips during their tenure.

“On the field, Mike helped Coach his son Geraint’s age group from U10s through to U16s and took immense pride in seeing both Gareth and Geraint representing Clwb Rygbi Dinbych.

Along with all the work Mr Hargraves did at the front of house, he was also a key figure in a variety of projects to develop the Club’s facilities behind the scenes.

A sponsorship partnership with local business Denbigh Building Plastics organised by Mike would see the Club modernise and improve into the fantastic facility they have today.

A club spokesperson said that Mr Hargraves was a ‘proud Welshman, Evertonian and former Royal Welsh Fusilier’.

They also described him as a ‘true gentleman’ who will be ‘sorely missed’ by all at Clwb Rygbi Dinbych.

The club spokesperson added: “On behalf of the club our heartfelt condolences go out to Bobbie, Gareth, Geraint and all the family at this difficult time.”

Beyond the rugby club, Mr Hargraves was an employee of Denbigh Building Plastics since 2007 and had worked his way up to being a Sales Director.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "It is with a heavy heart we announce the sad passing of our friend and colleague Mike Hargraves. Mike joined us in 2007 bringing a wealth of experience. He soon became Sales Director and helped make the company what it is today.

"Our sincere condolences go to Bobbie, Gareth, Geraint and all the family. It was an honour to work with such a gentleman and we will never forget."

Denbigh Councillor Mark Young says Mr Hargraves will be 'greatly missed' by the community.

He said: "I met him firstly at Dinbych rugby events and we did some fundraising together for their youth teams - he was always a pleasure to chat with, mike and his wife Bobbie would chat to me if I was at any events on my own which am hugely thankful for. He was an absolute gent and his warm nature and smile will be greatly missed by family and friends."