PLAYERS both past and present joined together with members and guests of Monmouth RFC last Saturday evening at Bridges Centre for a special dinner to celebrate and pay tribute to Rex Tabb who, after 50 years of service to the club, has stepped down as club president.

New president, Byron Hapgood, led the tributes to Rex, thanking him on behalf of all of Monmouth RFC for his loyalty and commitment shown over five decades. Letters from existing club chairman Lloyd Davies, club patron Eddie Butler and the chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union were also read out. Other tributes were read out by past chairmen Wyn Hughes, John Evans and Andrew Griffiths, who recalled great memories of fun times had with Rex, both at the club and on tours - the stories being very amusing and entertaining for all.

Rex was delighted with the turnout in his honour and thrilled that friends Tom and Carl Kinsella travelled from Ireland for the event. Tom also paid tribute to a wonderful bond and lasting friendships forged via their mutual love of rugby.

Presentations were made by Bryn Parker, divisional representative, on behalf of the WRU and club coach Paul Emmanuelli on behalf of Monmouth RFC, the players forming a guard of honour for the presentation.

The evening was efficiently administered by MC Dickie McLennan, and concluded with a Prize Draw and lively auction by Sam Harding, which raised over £1,000 for Mental Health Charity, all monies donated in memory of Max Davies.

Eddie Butler’s concluding line in his written tribute described Rex “as bright a star as any club has ever produced”. All agreed with this sentiment and felt this summed things up very nicely.