The much-loved coach has been remembered as a ‘true rugby man’ who ‘had time for everyone’
Tim Poole has been remembered as ‘one of life’s good guys’(Image: RileySports)
A Welsh rugby club has paid tribute to its “likeable and well-respected” coach after he died suddenly at the age of 65.
Tim Poole was a keen supporter and member of Tenby United RFC for many years before being appointed as head coach of the club’s Athletic XV last year. Tributes have poured in from across Welsh rugby following the tragic news, with the club remembering Tim as “one of life’s genuinely good guys” having been “inundated” with messages of condolences.
Remembered as a “people person” and “true rugby man” who “had time for everyone”, Tim is believed to have supported well over 1,000 people across Welsh rugby, having run a series of courses from coaching to safeguarding and first aid and playing a key role across development pathways.
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Having previously served as head coach of Scarlets West youth team and aided in the development of the likes of Wales international Josh Hathaway, Tim took charge of Tenby United’s second team – who play in the WRU’S National League Division West A – last summer.
Tenby’s senior matches this weekend have been postponed following the heartbreaking news, which the club confirmed in a statement on social media on Thursday morning.
“We are heartbroken to have received the tragic news earlier this week of the sudden passing of Athletic XV head coach Tim Poole,” the statement read.
“Having been a keen supporter/member of the Club for many years and well known to Coaches/Players from his various roles within the WRU, we were thrilled when he agreed last summer to accept the Athletic XV role when they entered the league at the beginning of season.
“He was genuinely proud and thrilled to be a part of what we’re doing here at Tenby and loved spreading the word. is personable nature made him likeable and well respected, not only in coaching but also in the delivery of various courses within Tenby United and the wider rugby community…. from Level 1 Coaching courses to Safeguarding and First Aid.
“He helped make a real difference in Welsh rugby. We have been inundated with tributes and condolences from the wider rugby community which is a true reflection of how many people he supported.”
The statement continued: “Tim was a true rugby man, always to be seen with a smile on his face and he had time for everyone… one of life’s genuinely good guys and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family and friends at this tragic time. Everyone at Tenby United send our love to Julie, Bethany and Joe.
“The senior matches scheduled for this weekend against Burry Port and St. Davids have been postponed and we thank both clubs for their understanding. Rest in peace, Tim.”
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Tenby United’s head of rugby Jonathan Evans said Tim was a “people person” who bought into the club’s ethos and made a “considerable impact” on Welsh rugby.
“My phone hasn’t stopped,” he told WalesOnline. “He had a huge network and helped considerably with development pathways, helping youth players into senior rugby.
“I knew he would be the right guy to lead our Athletic XV. We have an ethos where a player represents the club and we decide where they play on the Saturday, and he bought into that.
“Tim ran a lot of courses, safeguarding, coaching, and he supported well over 1,000 people across Welsh rugby. The bulk of junior coaches across the region would have been in courses he ran. He was a real people person.”