RODNEY Parade benefactor Tony Brown has paid a glowing tribute to Sir Tasker Watkins, who is standing down as Welsh Rugby Union president.

Sir Tasker has informed the WRU board that he will finish as president at the Union's annual meeting at the end of September.

"I had a huge regard for Sir Tasker. Welsh rugby can't replace a man like that with all his achievements," said Brown, backer of Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport.

"No other Union anywhere in the world has had a man of that stature, and with his Victoria Cross which is given so rarely to ordinary mortals.

"If Welsh rugby has gone off in other spheres, it hasn't at presidential level where they have been ahead of what any one else can offer."

Sir Tasker proved a highly respected figure in Welsh and world rugby and he held the WRU presidency for eight years.

But it is not expected that his successor will remain president for anything like as long.

Future WRU presidents are likely to stay for two years only as the office is moved around.

That alone is a tribute to Sir Tasker for keeping the figurehead role for so long.

Front runner to succeed him is Keith Rowlands, the former Cardiff, Wales and British Lions lock who was a Wales selector and committeeman and is an ex-secretary of the International Board.

Also in the running is former police chief David East, who regularly stands for positions of high office on the WRU.