THE president of Denbigh Rugby Club has paid tribute to an 'influential figure' who died last week.

On January 14, the club announced ‘with a heavy heart’ the passing of Terry Bryer who died the day before.

Described as a ‘loyal and committed supporter of all that went on’ at Denbigh Rugby Club, Mr Bryer had been a volunteer there in one capacity or another for almost 40 years.

Club president Tegid Phillips says Mr Bryer, who had also previously been a teacher at Coleg Normal, Bangor, was an ‘influential figure’ at Denbigh Rugby Club.

He added: “Terry was the one who set up the structure for junior players to progress through the ranks at Denbigh Rugby Club back in 1981 and he was someone that everybody who knew him had only kind things to say about.

“He was a quiet but friendly character, who had time for absolutely everyone. He always made other clubs visiting Denbigh Rugby Club feel welcome and comfortable too and he had a real interest in other clubs and what they were doing.

“We as a club truly appreciate everything Terry did for us and he will be sorely missed by all involved with the rugby community.”

Mr Bryer's association with Clwb Rygbi Dinbych began back in 1981 when he took on the role of Mini/Juniors Coach and the club say his efforts during the 1980s and 1990s helped nurture and develop talent from Denbigh and the surrounding area which would bear fruit as they matured into Senior Players in the years ahead.

From 2004-2015, Mr Bryer would take on the role of Club Chairman, a task club officials say he ‘took great pride and was unstinting in his devotion to’.

A statement Denbigh rugby Club posted to Facebook read: “During those years, substantial changes were made to the facilities at Caeau Les Phillips with the Clubhouse extension completed, the car park resurfaced and the erection of Floodlights and a Stand for the 1st Team Pitch.

“In 2019 the Club paid thanks to Terry for his decades of dedication to Clwb Rygbi Dinbych by naming the 1st Team Pitch in his honour - The Terry Bryer Pitch, we all look forward to seeing a Clwb Rygbi Dinbych team run out again on that pitch and pay our respects to the softly spoken, wise and kind friend that has left us too soon.

“On behalf of the club our heartfelt condolences go out to Phyllis, Gareth, David and all the family at this difficult time.”

A private funeral service for Mr Bryer will be held at Tremeirchion Church on January 27. Donations if so desired can be made to St Kentigern’s Hospice, St Asaph and The Brick Children School, Nepal.