Rugby League: Former Wales wing Paul Morgan dies at the age of 40
Tuesday 13 January 2015 19:54, UK
Former Wales Rugby League international Paul Morgan has died at the age of 40 following a short illness.
Morgan played rugby union for London Welsh and Aberavon from 2000-04 before switching codes and he went on to play on the wing for Bridgend Blue Bulls and Celtic Crusaders.
He made his international debut against Ireland in Dublin in 2005 and won a second cap against France in the 2005 European Cup final in Carcassonne.
Morgan ended his playing career at his local rugby union club Pencoed, playing union in the winter and league in the summer and in 2009 moved into coaching with Neath Athletic and Aberavon Quins.
A keen cricketer, he also played for a number of years at Pencoed Cricket Club, recently as captain.
"I am extremely saddened by the tragic news about Paul's death," said Chris O'Callaghan, former chief executive of both Aberavon and Celtic Crusaders.
"He was an excellent servant of Aberavon RFC and a key player during a highly-successful period in the club's history.
"His time in rugby league saw him win two full caps for his country and help the Celtic Crusaders achieve an unprecedented rise to Super League status.
"He could talk a glass eye to sleep and was the ultimate optimist. He will be badly missed by his family, his colleagues, former team mates, and many friends."
Morgan is survived by his wife Heidi, two sons Tyler and Harry and daughter Maddison.
