TRIBUTES have been paid to Mark Prangell after Cross Keys announced the death of their team manager and club stalwart after a short illness.

Prangell was the heartbeat of Pandy Park, a devoted clubman who helped develop players and coaches.

He played for Keys and then coached the club’s youth team before becoming team manager in 2007.

Prangell was part of the management team that had Keys challenging at the head of the Premiership and in 2012 they were runners-up of the British & Irish Cup to a powerful Munster A then lifted the Swalec Cup at Principality Stadium.

The likes of Taulupe Faletau, Lloyd Burns and Leon Brown all went on to play for Wales after learning their trade with Keys during their Premiership years.

Prangell, whose wife Angie is Keys club secretary, was a formidable force throughout at Pandy Park.

South Wales Argus: Cross Keys team manager Mark Prangell has diedCross Keys team manager Mark Prangell has died (Image: Newsquest)

"It is with great sadness to announce the devastating news that our team manager Mark Prangell passed away yesterday, December 29, after a short illness," read a club statement.

"Mark leaves a legacy, not just at our club but many clubs within Gwent and beyond.

"He has touched the lives of so many people, players, coaches, supporters, players' families and friends.

"To say he leaves a massive hole at Cross Keys RFC is an understatement. He has been a great influence on so many players and coaches.

"His greatest pleasure was to see players and coaches achieve their absolute full potential, rugby was his life."

Former Keys director of rugby Jonathan Westwood said: “Devastating news, shared fabulous 10 years with Prang and many memories made, had my back every step of the way. One of life’s good uns.”

South Wales Argus: Cross Keys team manager Mark PrangellCross Keys team manager Mark Prangell (Image: Newsquest)

Ex-head coach Greg Woods said: “Lost the best, best man anyone could have. Devastated and heartbroken but can only think of so many good memories.”

Burns, who went from bricklayer to World Cup star thanks to his time at Keys, said: “Gutted to hear this sad news Prang was an absolute pleasure to work with.

“Stuck with the Keys through the good times and the bad. Keys have lost THE best man a club could ask for.”