Wales and Pontypool rugby great Charlie Faulkner has passed away aged 81.
The news will prompt huge sadness throughout the sport, with the former loosehead prop known as one of the game’s great characters.
He rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the legendary Pontypool front row alongside Bobby Windsor and Graham Price. The trio attracted global fame, renowned for their ability on the pitch, with all three touring together with the British and Irish Lions in 1977, as well as their exploits off it.
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Faulkner won 19 Wales caps between 1975 and 1979 as part of teams that won four Five Nations titles during that period, including two Grand Slams.
Charlie’s attitude to scrummaging was expressed in his mantra ‘up, down, inside out — anywhere but backwards’.
He came to Test rugby late, just shy of his 34th birthday, amid widespread uncertainty among the public and the Welsh selectors about his true age.
But there was no doubt about what he could bring on the field.
His debut as one of six new caps saw him help Wales to their first away win over France in 24 years.
And he went on to gain huge respect for his scrummaging and ability to stand firm under pressure.
Pete Jeffreys, Pontypool chairman, paid a lovely tribute, saying: "He was a genuine legend at our club and in Welsh rugby too, but also an absolute gentleman. A genuine nice guy who everybody loved and spoke highly of.
"I was watching the Slammed 70s documentary on TV and it was noticeable how he, Graham Price and Bobby Windsor came in and helped toughen up the Wales side.
"Legend is often an overused word in sport, but not in Charlie's case. He was a true legend of our game.
"It's very, very sad news, especially coming on the back of Eddie Butler, another of our great players."
Mr Jeffreys, Pontypool and Welsh rugby as a whole will want to express their condolences to Faulkner's close family and friends.
Anthony George Faulkner was born in Newport in 1941.
Throughout rugby he was known as Charlie.
He cut his rugby teeth on the senior scene at Cross Keys before heading for Pontypool and forming the so-called Viet Gwent with Windsor and Price.
While backs such as Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams enjoyed much of the limelight during the golden era in which Faulkner played, the contributions of the trio at the sharp end were vital to Wales' successes, as part of a pack that provided the platform for the big names behind to shine.
After finishing as a player, Faulkner moved into coaching.
His sort do not come along often.
Share your memories of Charlie and tributes below.
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