In memoriam – Brian Layton

It is with deep sadness that Pontypridd RFC has learnt of the passing of former player Brian Layton.

In our Hall of Fame Brian is listed as a ‘utility forward’ and never was this term more appropriately applied. In his 131 games for the club Brian not only played in all three rows of the scrum but also played in every position in the boiler house, including one game as hooker!

His career began in 1954, when he played one game as a nineteen-year-old at the end of the 1953-54 season, against Bargoed. National Service in the Welsh Guards then intervened, and he only managed a few games over the next couple of years. His career proper then started in the 1958-59 season, when he became a regular member of the First XV, usually figuring in the second row and No. 8 positions.

His last game came at the end of the 1964-65 season, against Llanelli, but this was not the end of his and his family’s service for Pontypridd RFC. Brian continued to work with the Athletic and Youth XVs for many years.

The Layton family, as well as being loyal supporters of the club for many years also have strong links to Pontypridd RFC – Brian’s son Andy is also a former Ponty player and his daughter Kathryn used to volunteer as a steward at Sardis Road on matchdays. The club would like to pass on its sincerest condolences to Andy, Kathryn and all the rest of Brian’s nearest and dearest at this extremely sad time.