Tributes pour in for founding member of Willenhall Rugby Club

Tributes have been paid to remember Elfyn Pugh at his funeral, which took place in Llanbedr, Wales, on January 28.

Born in Llanbedr in 1934, Elfyn and later his brother, John moved to the Midlands to take up apprenticeships at Rubery Owen in Darlaston.

During this time Elfyn met and married his wife Kath who was instrumental in providing a tremendous amount of help and support for all his rugby endeavours.

Around 1956, some Welsh members of the Rubery Owen Rugby Club, including Elfyn formed a team from which Willenhall Rugby Club was founded in 1966.

In 1971 he became heavily involved in the purchase of land from a friendly farmer Bill Simkin who became a lifetime friend.

Following huge effort involving founder club members, Willenhall Rugby Club played the 1972/3 season on their own ground in Bognop Road, Essington, where they still play today.

For over 50 years, Elfyn has been a hugely active and influential member of Willenhall Rugby Club extending his commitment and enthusiasm to Staffordshire Rugby Union.

In 1967 he became the Staffordshire Coaching Society Assistant Secretary to Gwyn Bayliss, former Welsh full-back, and took over as Secretary in 1970.

He continued in this position until work commitments forced him to stand down in 1982.

In recognition of his tireless work with the Coaching Society and on the Staffordshire Rugby Union Management Committee, he was elected President of Staffordshire Rugby Union 2002-2004.

During this time Elfyn had the privilege of escorting the Rugby World Cup around Staffordshire on its celebratory tour following England’s win at the World cup 2003.

Mark Mckenzie, chairman of Willenhall Rugby Club, said: "Elfyn’s commitment and passion for the game he loved has resulted in him receiving numerous accolades and awards, he was recently awarded a British Empire Medal for Voluntary Service to Rugby in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2017.

"Elfyn was a remarkable man supported by a remarkable lady his wife Kath and together built a formidable partnership, one that epitomises one of the key core values of the game of rugby football teamwork.

“He gave so much of his life to Willenhall RUFC, Staffordshire Rugby Union and rugby in general; anyone that had the pleasure of being mentored by or knew him will know just how deep his love for rugby, his club and his county meant to him. He will be dearly missed by all.”