Businessman Tony Brown, who was considered one of the greatest benefactors of Welsh rugby, has died aged 86. The chairman and owner of Newport office furniture manufacturer Bisley was respected throughout the world of contract furniture but renowned for his considerable financial backing of Newport RFC and the Dragons.
Mr Brown became vice-president at Newport RFC in 1997 where he oversaw the move to make the club a limited company in 1998. He was the chief executive before the introduction of the regions in 2003.
During his tenure, Brown oversaw an unprecedented transformation, bringing in an array of international stars and achieving silverware with the Welsh Cup in 2001. The “Tony Brown era” is regarded as one of the most memorable times in the club’s history.
