SCARLETS NEWS
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SCARLETS “There are generations of rugby players who owe so much to Mr Rees and the roll-call of players who came through the ranks of Llanelli schoolboys reads like a Who’s Who of Welsh rugby.
We are saddened to learn that John Rees, a stalwart of schoolboy rugby in the region, has died at the age of 90. Mr Rees will be remembered for nearly 70 years of work supporting schools rugby in Llanelli, helping generations of Llanelli schoolboys achieve their rugby ambitions. Scarlets president Phil Bennett said: “John Rees will be remembered as a true local hero. He was a gentleman and a lovely guy to talk to. He was respected by all who came into contact with him. His influence in nurturing young rugby talent was immense in this area and will be remembered for years to come. “I was a Coleshill (school) boy and Mr Rees was in the Gram (Grammar School) but he always made sure we ‘secondary modern’ boys were looked after and got our chances. “I was chatting to Derek Quinnell after hearing the sad news of his death and we both wondered where we would be without the help and guidance and mentoring of Mr Rees.
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“He was an inspirational man and I am sure I speak for everyone in the world of rugby in sending sincere condolences to his family and friends.” Four years ago, Mr Rees was awarded the prestigious Walter Hughes trophy for services to sport at the annual Brin Isaac Memorial Awards dinner in Llanelli. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 12, at 11am at Bryn Chapel, Llanelli. It will be followed by burial in the chapel cemetery. There is no limit on numbers, but mourners are asked to wear masks and use the provided hand sanitisers. Mr Rees is survived by his wife Pam, children Hugh and Catrin, grandchildren and great-grandson.
Tomas Lezana became the 242nd player to represent the Scarlets on the international stage when he came off the bench for Argentina in their defeat to the All Blacks on the Gold Coast.
01.10.21 I UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
