THE tragic death of a 40-year-old man near Dolgellau on Sunday has rocked the Welsh rugby community.

Shortly after 2pm on Sunday, North Wales Police received a report of a crash on the A470 outside the Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre involving a silver-coloured Renault Megane Dynamique estate car.

Unfortunately Emrys Evans, described as a “tough and fearless centre”, died at the scene.

He was the driver of the vehicle and no other cars were involved.

He passed away just days before his 41st birthday.

Emrys, from Llanwrst, was a popular character and well regarded in rugby clubs throughout north and south Wales.

A spokesperson for Llandovery RFC, where Emrys enjoyed most of his success, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we pay our respects to ex-Llandovery player Emrys Evans, who passed away due to a car accident near Dolgellau [on Sunday].

“Our condolences go to Emrys’s family and to his many friends in the north and south."

Read the full story in this Thursday’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News