Ian Brice: Rugby Legend Passes Away at Age 81 After a Long Illness
- The rugby community has been thrown into mourning after the death of Crawshay’s Welsh RFC icon Ian Brice on Sunday, January 4, 2026
- The Welsh rugby legend is said to have been battling an illness for a long time, and couldn't hold on after giving up the ghost earlier this week
- Brice's former rugby clubs and fans took to social media to pay their last respects as his legacy lives on in the sport
Tributes have flooded in following the death of Crawshay’s Welsh RFC icon Ian Brice, who died aged 81 in Wales on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after battling a long-term illness.
Source: Getty Images
A prominent figure during the 1970s, Brice represented the renowned invitational team before later taking on the role of club president.
His association with the club stretched over five decades, and news of his passing has prompted widespread condolences from across the rugby community.
The news about Brice's death comes after the passing of rugby icon Joyce Churchill, who died at the age of 99, and former South Africa rugby referee Max Baise, who died at the age of 93.
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Crawshay's Rugby Club mourns Brice's death
Crawshay’s Rugby Club released an official statement on their X handle to confirm the passing of Brice. The club acknowledged Ian as a part of them for five decades. He was the club's president at the time of his death.
"It is with enormous sadness that Ian Brice, @CrawshaysRugby Player, Administrator, Trustee, and President died last night after prolonged illness," the Statement reads/
"He has been part of the club for 50 years, and his enormous presence will be missed by the @CrawshaysRugby Club."
Journalist Peter Jackson said that Ian Brice, a prominent and highly respected figure in Welsh rugby and the esteemed president of the renowned Crawshay’s RFC, passed away yesterday following a prolonged illness, and he extended his condolences to Brice’s family and loved ones.
Source: Facebook
Fans, clubs pay tribute to Brice
Several rugby clubs joined Crawshay's Rugby Club to pay tribute to Brice on social media, with his former club, Abertillery Blaenau Gwent RFC, also releasing a statement on Facebook to confirm his death.
"The club are sad to hear that former player Ian Brice died yesterday. Ian represented the club for a number of seasons in the early 70s before going on to become president of the club for several seasons. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time," the club stated on Facebook.
The fans joined Crawshay's RFC and Abertillery Blaenau Gwent RFC in sharing their condolences to the family of Brice.
Steve Harrison said:
"May Ian rest in peace. Legend of Crawshays, and a valued supporter of all things rugby since our schooldays. Cysgu'n dawel. Your legacy lives on. Deepest condolences to @Richard, Sally Rees and all of Ian's wider family."
Huw Lewis shared:
"Very, very sad news… Ian was a fantastic character and a great, great guy. Quite a few Crawshays' trips with him. An absolute gentleman! My sincere condolences at this very sad time … RIP Ian."
Andrew Oliver responded:
"So sorry to read this. Condolences to all his family. Ian was a top, top man. He embodied everything that Crawshays stood for, but added to that, he was a great family man. RIP, Mr Brice."
Gareth Maule reacted:
"Rest easy, Ian. You threw me a lifeline and an opportunity early in my career when things weren’t going great, and you became a very good friend thereafter. I’ll miss our detailed conversations, mainly around rugby or horse racing, both of which you adored immensely. Thanks and goodnight, Bricey."
Nigel commented:
"Giant of a man on and off the field, Ian had a massive impact on rugby in Wales for so many years was my president when i first cut my coaching teeth at Abertillery. My thoughts are with Richard & all the family at this sad time. #Godblessbricey."
Brian Williams added:
"Mike, I played against him for Blaina against Abertillery in the ‘60’s, a big man then, an even bigger gentleman. Sadly, I hope he was cared for properly as he deserved. RIP, big man."
SA rugby player dies during rugby training
Briefly News earlier reported that a South African rugby player passed on after getting injured during a training session.
According to the report, the youngster received medical attention after getting injured, but sadly, he was unable to survive.
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Source: Briefly News
