TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Monmouth RFC player whose funeral took place this week.

Will Copley was a great clubman, having played rugby for the 1st XV for over ten years.

He was diagnosed with cancer on the 6th January and passed away on the 31st January. He played his last game for the club on 5th December 2015.

He was a massive presence within the rugby club, both with the senior team and young rugby, still being first choice second row at 47 years of age.

A dentist who owned the Teeth For Life dental practices in Magor and Caldicot, Will coached young rugby teams for both of his boys, and assisted other age groups when they needed support, over the course of the last eight years.

An open letter from Monmouth RFC chairman Lloyd Davies described Will as “a warrior and a gentleman”.

“Will was a great Ambassador of life. He loved to play and have fun. He was a fantastic, loving father and husband. A consummate professional, he cared for everyone. He will be sorely missed by many.

“Thank you all for your kind condolences at this very difficult time. Will’s wife Alex and their two boys Griff and Osian are very grateful for everyone’s support during an impossible time in their lives.”

Friends of Will posted messages of support on social media, describing him as “an excellent rugby player, fantastic dentist and all round top bloke.”

Will’s funeral took place at St Mary’s Church in Abergavenny at 2pm on Monday 8th February, continuing afterwards at the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny.

The family have requested that all donations instead of flowers be made to Cancer Research UK and the nurses at St David’s Hospice, who provided such wonderful nursing care and comfort to Will and his family. Donations can be made by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/willcopley