A MAN described as a “much-loved” coach and referee will be greatly missed by the Powys club he represented.
COBRA RFC has paid tribute to Rhys Jenkins this week, following the 41-year-old father-of-two’s death in a road traffic collision just outside Welshpool last weekend.
Mr Jenkins was travelling along the A483 near Welshpool with his nine-year-old son on Saturday evening, November 16, when his vehicle, a white Toyota Yaris, was involved in a three-car collision.
Mr Jenkins died at the scene.
READ MORE: Family pays tribute to 'devoted husband and dad' who died in Welshpool crash
Mr Jenkins was originally from the Glynneath area but lived in northern Powys, where he had immersed become a junior coach at COBRA (Caereinion Old Boys Rugby Association), based in Meifod.
“At COBRA RFC, we are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Rhys Jenkins,” the club said in a touching tribute to Mr Jenkins, posted on its Facebook page on Thursday.
“Rhys was a hugely valued and much-loved member of COBRA. He was a dedicated head coach of our under 10 side, devoting much time to support our young players, demonstrating his knowledge and passion for the game.
“He was also a highly respected referee and had refereed games throughout Wales and New Zealand.
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“But above all, Rhys was a genuinely nice person who will be greatly missed – not just by his young team but by everyone associated with the club.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carrie, sons Ioan and Gruff, and all the family and many friends, to whom we extend our sincere and deepest sympathies.”
His family released a statement earlier on Friday paying their own tribute to Mr Jenkins, describing as a devoted family man and expressing how his loss has “devastated” them.
Abubakr Yusaf, 29, has been charged with drug driving, causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.
Umar Yusaf, 33, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.
Both have been remanded in custody until the next court hearing, which will be at Mold Crown Court on Friday, December 20.
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