TONY Brown, the former Newport RFC and Dragons benefactor, has died at the age of 86.

Brown, who made his millions from the office equipment manufacturer Bisley, was inducted into the Black and Ambers’ hall of fame in 2012 after his financial backing led to the club’s rise back to the top in the late 1990s.

READ MORE: Stars pay tribute to Brown

The arrival of superstars Gary Teichmann, Rod Snow, Percy Montgomery, Shane Howarth and Simon Raiwalui led to a Welsh Cup triumph in 2001, bumper crowds at Rodney Parade and some famous European successes.

The regional rugby era led to Brown being involved with the Dragons, after much rankling over the inclusion of Newport in the club’s initial name of Newport Gwent Dragons.

South Wales Argus: Tony Brown brought Percy Montgomery to Rodney ParadeTony Brown brought Percy Montgomery to Rodney Parade (Image: Newsquest)

Newport, who will hold a minute's silence before tonight's Premiership game with Carmarthen Quins, said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anthony 'Tony' Charles Brown, a man who has left an incredible legacy for the game in Newport.

"Tony first joined the club as a vice-president in 1997, before becoming our first chief executive then major shareholder. During his tenure, Brown oversaw an unprecedented transformation, bringing in an array of international stars and achieving silverware with the Welsh Cup.

"The 'Tony Brown era' is regarded as one of the most memorable times in the club’s history, and his invaluable contribution led to him being one of the first inductees into our Hall of Fame in 2012.

"Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this sad time."

Tony, from Surrey, was the son of Bisley founder Freddy Brown and he bought out the company in 1970, with the Newport site purchased in 1988.

He was awarded an OBE in 1993 and joined Newport RFC as vice-president in 1997 and then became chief executive and then major shareholder.

“My association with Newport started in 1997, when my only thought was to put a bit of self belief back into the town, which was going through an economically difficult time,” he said six years ago.

The Black and Ambers had been struggling at the start of the professional era but the benefactor was a leading figure in their revival, modernising the club on and off the field.

South Wales Argus: GLORY: Tony Brown with the Welsh Cup after Newport's triumph in 2001GLORY: Tony Brown with the Welsh Cup after Newport's triumph in 2001 (Image: Newsquest)

They beat Neath to win the Welsh Cup in 2001 and enjoyed Heineken Cup wins against Jonny Wilkinson's Newcastle, Toulouse and Bath.

Then came the regional rugby era and a civil war that famously led to Brown being banned from a game at Eugene Cross Park by Ebbw Vale.

It looked like the benefactor would have nothing to do with the Dragons but stayed involved through his friendship with Martyn Hazell.

After providing sponsorship through Bisley returned to the board in 2011 until the Welsh Rugby Union took over in 2017.

That episode remains controversial with Newport RFC fans after it involved the sale of Rodney Parade to the governing body but Brown leaves a huge sporting legacy in the city.

Mark Jones, Dragons managing director, said: "It’s a very sad day for us all at Rodney Parade. Tony Brown’s influence and legacy can simply not be downplayed. He transformed Newport rugby.

"I count myself extremely fortunate to have known Tony since his first involvement here. I have seen first-hand his impact and without his investment and passion, we simply would not be where we are today.

"It was not just his financial backing that earned him cult status with so many fans.

"He was a true man of the people, often seen selling match day programmes from the terraces or taking time to talk to supporters about his hopes and ambitions.

"He was instrumental in so much of what we see around us and his pioneering work in establishing the Dragons Community team has meant thousands of youngsters over the last two decades have got involved and benefitted from our sport.

"I know Tony will be missed by many of our supporters and partners and I speak on behalf us all at Dragons RFC when I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his family and friends at this very sad time."