Wales Rugby League has announced the death of the former international Paul Morgan at the age of 40 following a short illness.
Morgan played rugby union for London Welsh and Aberavon from 2000 to 2004 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. In 2009 he 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, the former chief executive of 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.