CROSS Keys will celebrate the life of club stalwart Mark Prangell next Friday after the devoted clubman died last month following a short illness.

Prangell played for the Pandy Park club and then coached the youth team before becoming team manager in 2007.

He 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.

On Friday, February 2 there will be a service at 11.30am at Pandy Park (car park for family and bearers only) followed by a cremation at Gwent Crematorium at Treherbert Road, Croesyceiliog. It will then be back to Keys HQ to share memories of Prangell.

South Wales Argus: WINNERS: The Keys management team of Alun Harries, Mark Prangell, Greg Woods, Mark Ring and Jonathan Westwood after the 2012 Swalec Cup win at Principality StadiumWINNERS: The Keys management team of Alun Harries, Mark Prangell, Greg Woods, Mark Ring and Jonathan Westwood after the 2012 Swalec Cup win at Principality Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

The family have requested a dress code of black and white to "represent Mark's pride and passion of Cross Keys RFC" but welcome other rugby colours, jerseys and ties.

"Mark leaves a legacy, not just at our club but many clubs within Gwent and beyond,” read a Keys statement announcing the sad news.

"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."

Family flowers only while donations to Cross Keys RFC and St Davids Hospice can be given at the service or sent to Tovey Bros, 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 2EH.