TRIBUTES are being paid to an ex-Newbridge rugby player who "lived life to the full".

Phil Jones, 55, of Grove Park, Pontnewynydd, died on Tuesday night following a suspected heart attack.

Mr Jones, who taught outdoor education at the Usk Campus of Coleg Gwent, is perhaps best known for playing eight seasons in the second row for a Newbridge rugby team which included Paul Turner.

The club paid their respects to Mr Jones with a minute's silence last Wednesday before the game with Cross Keys.

Mr Jones was born in Cwmbran to parents Cecilia and Eddie, who was a well-known local councillor.

After moving to Blaenavon for four years, the family settled in Pontnewynydd where Phil Jones spent the rest of his life and came to be well- known in the community, according to his 30-year-old son Richard.

"Rugby was a big part of my dad's life, but it was just one part of his life," he said.

"He was involved in lots of different sports and was big community figure. He was a bass soloist for the Cwmbran Baroque Choir, played badminton for two clubs and was still very active. People say he lived the equivalent of three lifetimes."

Mr Jones also leaves behind his wife Sheila and their daughter, Anna Browne, who has two children - Carys and Ryan - with her husband Darren.

* Mr Jones' funeral will take place at the Gwent crematorium, in Croesyceiliog, at 3pm, on Wednesday. Afterwards, mourners will be gathering at the Green Meadow golf club in Croesyceiliog.