TRIBUTES have been paid to a Denbigh man to who sport was such ‘an important part’ of life.

Denbigh’s Rugby, Football and Cricket Clubs have all paid their respects to Will Pierce Jones, further highlighting the impact he had on the town's sporting scene.

Mr Jones had been a ‘committed’ scrum half for the rugby club, as well as an ‘invaluable’ volunteer at the football club’s Red Cafe on match days alongside wife Jean.

During the summer months, Mr Jones had turned to cricket; where he was once highest-scoring batsman for the town club.

Following his retirement from playing, he became a respected rugby referee in the area.

He continued to work behind the scenes at both Denbigh Rugby Club and Cricket Club once he had retired from these sports and also became a keen and competitive golfer at Denbigh Golf Club.

PIC: Denbigh Cricket Club.

News of Mr Jones death came as a 'shock' to many in the community.

A spokesperson for Denbigh Rugby Club said: "Will looked so well and healthy, and, even during the pandemic was attempting to live life to the full.

"Many remember Will from the early days of the Club as a robust and committed scrum half, who enjoyed his rugby and was an integral part of the social life of any team for which he played.

"Will and Jean were important and valued members of the Club’s first overseas tour to New Mexico in 1990. In preparation for the tour, the couple were instrumental in much of the fund raising and social events; they were always keen to be involved - standing on the periphery was not an option for either of them.

"Will was fun to be around; he had an infectious laugh which attracted others to him. One always knew where one stood with Will; no matter the company, Will was always the same.

"Family life was paramount to Will. The family was always there to help each other. Will and Jean were as one; they did so much together. Will supported Jean in many of her projects, including when Jean did so much of the work within our Clubhouse. The Club would have been a much poorer place without the contribution of the two of them.

Will’s sudden passing must be a devastating blow for Jean and all the family. We send them our love and support at this most difficult of times."

A Denbigh Town FC statement read: "Will and his wife Jean became involved with the Club as volunteers over the last few seasons and proved an invaluable team at the Red Cafe on Match Days.

"They were also avid supporters following the team on away fixtures across North Wales as their grandson Sion became an integral part of the First Team squad.

"Sport was always an important part of Will’s life. The social side of sport was where Will was also prominent and where he made many friends with his character and his infectious laugh."

Denbigh Cricket Club added: "Will was a true character at the club, a mainstay at the top of the batting order through the 80s and 90s including being part of the team for the much celebrated ‘Montgomery Match’ in the Welsh Cup.

"As a player, Will could devastate a bowling attack with a swashbuckling big hitting approach with that big heavy bat that led to him racking up a number of high scores for the club. Will could be also always be relied upon to raise team morale and many will recall fondly his unmistakable voice when calling for a run at the crease.

After finishing his playing days Will was a regular spectator at Ystrad Road to watch both teams and in recent years was an invaluable contributor to the maintenance of the ground, in particular to ensuring we had the lightning fast outfield now in evidence at Ystrad Road spending many hours on a ‘busman’s holiday’ behind the wheel of the gangmowers.

"Will and wife Jean were enthusiastic supporters of the club and as part of the 175th anniversary celebrations in 2019 his laughter (as it always did) certainly helped fill the room at the comedy night!"