POPULAR rugby journalist George Williams, whose reports were regularly published in the Argus, has died at the age of 83 following a stroke.

Mr Williams, from Rhiwbina, Cardiff, was a well-known figure in Gwent having regularly covered Premiership matches in recent years before retiring a year ago.

In the 1960s and 1970s he worked as a sub-editor on the sportsdesk of the Western Mail, also covering matches on a Saturday.

When he left that position he became a lecturer in journalism in Cardiff and was responsible for tutoring many of those at the top of the profession today.

Mr Williams also worked for national papers and agencies and was part of the Press Association’s racquet sports team at several Commonwealth games.

Although in later years he concentrated on rugby, his great love was reporting racquet sports and he would take great delight in covering squash, tennis and badminton.

Chris Smart, a friend and colleague who had known him for 45 years paid tribute.

“George was a perfect courteous gentleman, one of the old school, meticulous for detail and careful in everything he did,” he said.

“I feel privileged to have known him for so long. Many journalists today have a lot to thank George for.”

He leaves wife Wendy, a former Sports Council for Wales member, and a son and a daughter.