It is with great sadness that Cardiff Rugby have learnt of the passing of former flanker Owain Williams following a long battle with cancer.
Williams made 221 first team appearances during a glittering 10-year stint with the Blue and Blacks, in which he won two Welsh Cups, the league title and was part of the team that reached the inaugural Heineken Cup final.
He retired from the game as an Arms Park legend in 2001, and has been followed by his son Teddy, who is now a member of the first team squad.
Cardiff Rugby Life President, Peter Thomas said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cardiff Arms Park are with the family and friends of Owain at this incredibly sad time.
“His career spanned from the amateur to the professional era and he was always one of the very first names on the team sheet back in 1996, due to his diligence, professionalism and athleticism.
“To this day, Owain is undoubtedly one of the best back row forwards Cardiff has ever had. He was a wonderful player and person.
“He will be sadly missed by all of us, particularly at such a young age. He was a very special player and was respected by everyone he played with or against.”
Williams began his career at Glamorgan Wanderers before spending time in Australia where he represented Queensland.
He returned to Wales in 1988 and spent four seasons playing for his hometown club Bridgend before moving to Cardiff in 1992. Williams won one Wales cap and also captained Wales Sevens.
Owain is fondly remembered at Cardiff Arms Park and the thoughts and condolences of everyone at Cardiff Rugby are with his family and friends at this difficult time.