TRIBUTES have been paid to a hugely popular and well-known rugby supporter who died yesterday.
Scarlets fanatic Lewis Jones, known far and wide as Lewi, passed away peacefully at around 2.30am on Thursday.
Regional rugby fans took to Twitter and Facebook to pay tribute to Lewi who was well known for his touchline antics at Stradey Park and Parc y Scarlets.
The rugby fanatic suffered a stroke in February — but had been showing signs of recovery before his death.
Friend, coach and secretary of Llanelli Warriors RFC Gwilym Lewis said: "He will be sadly missed and Llanelli as a town will miss him.
"He was a very well known and well-loved character.
"I'm sure repercussions will be felt across the rugby community."
An avid Scarlets fan, Lewi followed many clubs.
But he made his fame running the line for junior and senior teams and was infamous for doling out red cards.
For 17 years he was heavily involved in Llanelli Warriors RFC, as the club's linesman and supporter.
An astonishing number of people took to Twitter to Tweet their tributes with #RIPLewi.
Stephen Rees @Steph107Twit said: "Lewi on the touchline was as much a part of Stradey Park as the saucepans themselves #RIPLewi."
Phil Steele @philsteele1 said: "Parc y Scarlets will not be the same again after the passing of legendary character Lewi Jones — a true Llanelli + rugby character."
David Daniel @DaiDaniel271 said: "Extremely sad news about the passing of a delightful Llanelli character #RIPLewi."
