TRIBUTES have been paid to Cross Keys legend and “gentleman warrior” Richie Donovan, who has died at the age of 64.
Donovan was born in Newport and played for the Black and Ambers youth team before playing a few games for Abertillery.
The prop, who was comfortable on either side of the scrum, moved to Pontypool where he was understudy to the legendary Charlie Faulkner and Graham Price.
After a season at Pooler he moved to Cwmbran and then played a few games for Cross Keys at the end of 1980/81, where he was to go on to become a firm favourite.
Donovan racked up an incredible 412 games, a post-war record, and was player of the year in his first season at Pandy Park and again in 1984/85, while he was named clubman of the year in 1987/88, that after a brief spell with Newport, and 1989/90.
He left to coach at UWIC and made one final appearance on his old stomping ground for the students at Pandy Park at the grand age of 44 in November 1999.
“When this amazing player left the field he received a standing ovation from supporters in the grandstand,” wrote club historian Horace Jefferies in The Pandy Park Story.
“It was a worthy salute to a man who gave a great deal to rugby football at Pandy Park.”
A sad day for all connected with @crosskeysrfc . The passing of one of our “GREATS” Ritchie Donovan. Our sincere condolences to his family during these sorrowful times . Until we can meet as one can all our rugby family raise a glass to A Keys Legend as the sun sets on Pandy Park
— Cross Keys RFC (@crosskeysrfc) July 9, 2020
.@PontypoolRFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Gwent rugby legend, Richard Donovan.
— Pontypool RFC (@PontypoolRFC) July 9, 2020
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ZrwffGnWAQ
RIP prop legend Richie Donovan.
— Phil Steele (@philsteele1) July 9, 2020
The Gentleman Warrior of @crosskeysrfc and one of the great front row stalwarts of Gwent rugby.
His popularity among both team-mates and opponents was matched only by his humility. 🙏
RIP Richie Donovan. A Role Model, Mentor and Friend to me. A Warrior and legend on the rugby field. Love to his family X Will miss the great man tremendously....Ubtil we lock horns again old friend x pic.twitter.com/8D6uUHgecT
— Alun Williams 🏴 (@Alun03) July 9, 2020
RIP Richie, great man of @crosskeysrfc & Gwent Rugby pic.twitter.com/wf9Hh5Hhp0
— Jonathan Westwood (@JonyWestwood) July 9, 2020
We have lost a true warrior of Gwent rugby today. A man who epitomised everything thats good about life, caring&friendly and with an amazing wit, the world is a sadder place without Richie Donovan.
— Nigel Way (@NigelRWay) July 9, 2020
youre going straight to heaven pal.#werewolvesoflondon pic.twitter.com/vMw98GwiFr
Our thoughts are with Richie's family and friends at this difficult time. https://t.co/0C84memUL9
— Newport RFC (@NewportRFC) July 9, 2020
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