THE family of one of Gwent's most popular rugby officials have spoken of his lifelong devotion to the sport.

Les Gardner, who served almost 50 years at Risca Rugby Club, died when returning from the Wales and Scotland rugby international.

Mr Gardner, who was 67, was a referee with the Welsh Rugby Union and was a member of the management committee.

His son Rhodri, 35, said: "He was obsessed with rugby, it was his life."

His wife Valmai said he was so committed he once played with a broken hand.

"He chipped the plaster off then wrapped his hand in a bandage so he could play," said Mrs Gardner, of Rosemont Avenue, Gelli Park, Risca.

Mr Gardner, an electrical engineer, joined Risca Rugby Club as a hooker in his late teens.

He then went on to act as fixture secretary, vice-chairman, chairman and secretary. A life member of the club, he would never miss their matches and training sessions. "Even when he retired he never had a spare minute," Mr Gardner junior said. "He had more time for the club."

But his family were always his first priority.

"He was very much a family man and would come straight home after matches," Mrs Gardner said.

The family will remember Mr Gardner as a "happy, loyal and modest" man who was "besotted" with his two-year-old grandson Felix.

And they say he would have been "gobsmacked" by the number of tributes and condolences.

Risca RFC called him a "patient mentor and good friend to all" while the WRU said he was "greatly respected".

Mrs Gardner described how a visitor commenting on heavy hailstones said 'Les has just heard about Mike Ruddock quitting'.

Mr Gardner was a referee on the Newport and District League before progressing to WRU status.

He also served Gwent rugby as a District A secretary.

He was returning home from Cardiff on the bus when he suffered a suspected heart attack and died. His funeral will be held at 1pm on Thursday at St Mary's Church, Risca.