Other people described Keith ‘Taff’ Williams as “one of a kind” and a “wonderful person inside and out”.

A hugely popular figure, who both played for and coached juniors at Brecon Rugby Club, it was the club that announced his sad death on Thursday, aged 78.

Taff, who came to Brecon in the 1970s, worked as a local policeman. He also coached both the seniors and juniors at Crickhowell, as well as being a popular member of Cor Meibion Aberhonddu (Brecon & District Male Choir).

Keith 'Taff' Williams, from Brecon, was a popular member of Cor Meibion Aberhonddu. (Image: Brecon Rugby Club)

“It is with great sadness that the club announces the death of Taff Williams,” said Brecon Rugby Club on Thursday, in a touching Facebook post.

“Taff came to Brecon as a policeman in 1974. Having played previously in his home area of the Amman Valley he joined Brecon RFC and played, with distinction, as hooker with the 1st XV until 1978. He was respected as a hard and committed player and as a leader.

“After retiring as a player at 1st team level he continued to play with the veterans and took up coaching with a number of our junior and youth teams.

“He had considerable success with those teams, and he also spent some time coaching Crickhowell youth and senior teams. 

“It is a testament to his great character that so many of his former players have said just how much respect they had for him as a coach and mentor.”

The club added: “After retiring from coaching he always kept in touch with the club as a part of what was a busy life within the community.

“He was a dedicated member of Cor Meibion Aberhonddu and other singing and musical groups.

“He also engaged himself in his passion for carving beautiful love spoons, something he did both as a hobby and for individual commissions.

“He will be remembered and sadly missed by many, not just for his involvement within the club but also for his work as a genuine community policeman, a support assistant at Brecon High School, and his involvement within the community as a whole.”

Tributes have poured in. “What a fantastic guy he was,” said Mal Hayes.

Sian Prothero described 'Taff' as “one of the great personalities of Brecon”. (Image: Brecon Rugby Club)

“When he used to coach my son when he was about 10 he gave them some very risky lineout calls; the kids loved it, (Taff) laughing (and) telling them you can tell your dads but not your mums.

“He had a snowball fight with my kids on the Watton, they knocked his hat off. He will be really missed from the community.”

Sian Prothero described him as “a lovely man”. “Always had time for you. Well-respected in the community and one of the great personalities of Brecon.”

Rob Jenkins said: “Great man. (A) fantastic role model for young people to follow. (An) honour to call and have as a family friend.”

And Emily Davies added: “A wonderful person inside and out.”