TRIBUTES have been made to a Sully Community Council stalwart and talented rugby player.

Malcolm Davies, who passed away on February 27 aged 85, was well known in the local area for his pro-active council work.

He was also well known for his considerable rugby talent and prolific try scoring in both rugby league and union, which earned him a cap for the Great Britain rugby league team.

Born on January 15 1926 in Cwmfelin, Maesteg, the former chairman of Sully Community Council took up professional rugby in 1948 after a short stint with the police.

His first senior games came at Penarth before he joined Maesteg - where he scored 40 tries in his first season.

After an unsuccessful stint at Cardiff, he returned to Maesteg and became a firm favourite with the fans, racking up 85 tries in 104 appearances.

In the 1952/53 season he joined league side Leigh and then, when he was on the verge of coming back to Wales, he signed for Bradford Northern for £750. A year later he was snapped up by Leeds for £3,000 but his form deserted him and he was sold back to Bradford Northern for £1,000.

When his rugby career was over he moved to Barry with his wife Barbara where he established a glass and china wholesalers on High Street, Barry.

He became involved with Sully Community Council following his retirement and spent five years as its chairman.

He was also involved with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Mr Davies' son Allan, who is seeking contact with his sister, Yvonne, regarding the funeral arrangements, said: “I like to remember him as a very fit, confident and proud man who was well known and respected for the work he did with the council and his role within the community.

“He was devoted to his council work and that was what he seemed to enjoy the most.

“It gave him a purpose.”

Fellow councillor Anthony Ernest said he enjoyed a robust relationship with the retired rugby player.

“Malcolm could be a controversial figure but his heart was in the community.

“He strove to bring entertainment to the village of Sully, arranged numerous outings for the local children and played a very active role in the community in which he lived and served.”

Mr Davies is survived by two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at St, John’s Baptist Church, Sully, on Monday March 14 at 12.45pm, followed by cremation at Coychurch Crematorium at 2.15pm.