One of Llanelli RFC’s biggest and most loved characters, David Jenkins – known affectionately to all as Dai Chips, has passed away.
Jenkins, a former physiotherapist at Llanelli RFC, was a mainstay of the back room staff throughout the 1980s and 1990s and played a pivotal part in the club’s successes.
Following the news of Jenkins’ passing we caught up with Anthony Buchanan, who remembers him as a man of great strength, wit and character.
“It is extremely sad to hear of the passing of David Jenkins. I was with Dai right through my playing and managing career.
“Our Llanelli careers couldn’t have been more aligned! He started with the club at the same time as me and I went through my term of office with Dai.
“Myself and Gareth (Jenkins) spent a lot of time in Dai’s company. We enjoyed many an occasion, too many to list, and what was clear to see was that everybody was comfortable in Dai’s company.
“He treated the club like a family environment and was always ready and available to help and support players, even opening his home for treatment on many an occasion.”
Buchanan went on to say; “He was attending Llanelli games until very recently and was just as strong a character as ever, with a wicked sense of humour that always provoked a discussion! He’ll be sadly missed by us all.”
A minute silence will be held at Llanelli’s next game, at Parc y Scarlets against RGC, on Monday 3rd January.
The game will be played behind closed doors, under current government restrictions, but will be televised by S4C. Details to follow in due course.