FORMER Welsh international and Newport rugby player Bill Hopkin has died at the age of 87.

Tribute was paid to Mr Hopkin by a spokesman for the club who said their thoughts were with his family.

Wing Bill was capped from Newport in the 1930s and was a significant character at that time.

"He brought honour and distinction to the club, not only playing in the black and amber but also in the red of Wales."

Mr Hopkin played several matches for Chepstow and Gloucester but it was with Newport that he excelled.

Along with teammates "Bunner" Travers and Tom Rees he played against Scotland in Swansea on February 6, 1937.

Mr Hopkin, who played for Newport against the 1935 New Zealand tourists, turned to rugby league in 1938 when he joined Swinton.

During the Second World War he was in the Royal Navy and worked for the Red and White Bus company before joining Standard Telephone and Cables (STC). He was employed by British Railways before retiring.

Mr Hopkin, who died at the Royal Gwent Hospital, leaves a wife Gladys, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His funeral service is being held at 3.15pm next Tuesday at Tovey Brothers, Cardiff Road, Newport. His family have requested no flowers but donations to Health Help International, 661 Chepstow Road, Newport.