One of Penryn and Falmouth's legendary rugby coaches and players has passed away at the age of 83 it has been announced today.

In a post on the Cornish Rugby website CRFU President Dave Martin said it was with "deep regret" to report the sad death of Dave ‘Benji’ Thomas, the former Cornwall County Coach.

83-year-old ‘Benji’ passed away, after a short illness, surrounded by his family today (February 10), he said.

"‘Benji’ will be remembered as the successful Cornwall Coach on that famous day at Twickenham in 1991 when Cornwall defeated Yorkshire by 29 points to 20, after extra time, to lift the ADT County Championship Trophy.

Falmouth Packet:

"‘Benji’ also pioneered the CRFU Schools of Rugby long before the RFU introduced a similar scheme.

"He and his team of coaches developed a ready-made pool of talent for clubs at all levels in the county. He also nurtured that large number of excellent coaches, who are now serving Cornwall’s representative teams and many clubs.

"His loss will be felt, not only at his club, Penryn, but, throughout Cornwall.

"Our condolences go to all his family, particularly his wife, Valerie, and daughter, Helen."

Apart from being the coach of Cornwall in 1991, Benji was in his own right a very fine player. He was part of the fine Penryn side of the 1960’s that dominated local rugby at that time.

Educated at Falmouth Grammar School and Cardiff College of Education, he also played for Berkshire, before taking up a post at Penryn Secondary Modern where he remained until retirement.

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He played for Cornwall as a player on 21 occasions from 1959 until 1970, when his playing career finished he turned to coaching and was involved with Penryn, Falmouth and St. Ives.

He had a great affinity with the Cornwall supporters, whom he called “Cornwall’s 16th man.”

The President of Cornwall RFU, John Sumnall and the Management Board of the CRFU said they wished to express their sincerest condolences to “Benji’s” family and friends at this time.

Funeral arrangements, when known, will be published on the website.