Newbridge mourns rugby great

During the service, led by Pastor Peter Palmer at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Newbridge, Mr Harries, 77, was described as a proud and passionate Welshman.

The service began with a moving tribute by his daughter Eluned Harries, 47 who described him as a committed and dedicated man who made the impossible achievable.

She said his passions were rugby, Cymru and science and that he was a man of action who got things done.

The Cor Cwm Ni choir then performed a song they had written entitled “Morgannwg”, conducted by Carys Crimming.

This was followed by the hymns “St Clements” and Welsh hymn “Llef”.

Two of Mr Harries’ sons Dewi, 43 and Gwilym, 41 gave readings whilst Rodri, 43 accompanied the choir on the piano.

Councillor Allan Pritchard paid tribute to his friend of more than 40 years, calling him a “trailblazer” and forerunner for modern-day coaching.

Mr Harries, a lifelong Newbridge RFC fan, chemical engineer and Plaid Cymru activist was born in 1932 and began playing for Newbridge in 1951 after studying at Newbridge Grammar School. He captained in 1961/2 before he switched to coaching shortly after.

As one of the first official coaches he led the team to triumph in the Welsh championship of 1964.

Mr Harries helped select the victorious Pontypool, Crosskeys and Newbridge combined side who played Australia in 1966.

In his working life Mr Harries was a chemical engineer and safety officer, working in the Middle East, Japan and elsewhere.

Among his achievements were his assistance in cleaning the Ebbw River, and landscaping and reclaiming the slagheap at the site that would later be used for the National Garden Festival in Ebbw Vale.

His campaigning for Plaid Cymru included acting as ex-Islwyn AM Brian Hancock’s electoral agent in 1990.

He leaves behind his children Dewi, Eluned, Gwilym, Rhodri and two grandchildren.

The service was followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium.