
Brian 'BJ' Jones celebration of life service announced
Mr Jones, who was affectionately known as 'BJ' and Mr Newport due to his long affiliation with the club, died aged 89 earlier in April.
Jones made 330 appearances for the Black and Ambers and was a member of the sides that beat Australia in 1957 and New Zealand in 1963.
That famous win against the All Blacks, their only defeat of a 36-game tour, completed a hat-trick of successes against southern hemisphere sides for the centre after he also beat South Africa with the Barbarians in 1960.
His family have announced a celebration of his life will be held at the city's St Woolos Cathedral on Friday May 2 at 11 am.
A notice announcing the service said: 'Black and Amber colours and club ties will be welcomed.'
Mr Jones, from Cwmcarn, played for Wales against Ireland and France in 1960, while he was involved at Newport from 1953 as player, captain, coach, committee man, chairman, ambassador and most recently president.
His family described him as: 'Beloved husband of Jacqueline and the best ever Daddy, Gramps and Father-in-Law to Lisa, Caitlan and Stephen.'
The service will be followed by cremation at the Gwent Crematorium, Croesyceiliog and the family has said donations, in lieu of flowers, can be given at the service for NSPCC Cymru.
The service will be live streamed on the cathedral's YouTube channel and via the Gwent Crematorium.
Newport RFC paid tribute to Mr Jones ahead of its recent fixture against Ebbw Vale that was played at Rodney Parade where he had led the club with distinction.
The family announcement said Mr Jones 'passed suddenly and peacefully on April 6 at the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff' surrounded by his family.

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