The long standing Education Officer formed part of the Dragons award-winning Community Department alongside Community Manager Mike Sage and Community Officer Janice Chappell.
Tributes from all over have been flooding into Rodney Parade and the Community Department over the weekend, following the tragic news.
Phil, who was part of the Community Department for 13 years, had battled against bowel cancer and was part of the reason why the Dragons chose Bowel Cancer UK as their charity jersey this year. The special purple jersey was donned by the Men of Gwent on their festive derby against Cardiff Blues.
Community Officer Janice Chappell wrote a poem in honour of Phil:
Poem for my friend Phil
As the news of Phil comes to light
The office will never be as bright
We smile, we laugh, we cry
But with all that’s going on we will try
To do our best whilst our friend Phil is laid to rest
Quiz questions, spelling tests, Sudoku is what Phil loved best
His charm, his wit and telling us we were fit.
Heart of gold he done more than a mile
Oh and his occasional smile
Children’s camps, pupil visits, match day mascots, happy times a few to file
Even though he had been ill for a while
Coffee breaks and plenty of cakes
Proof reading all the mistakes
With Mike and Mark the office banter and listening to horses as they canter
Red wine flows and boots to the doors
Tina watch you don't end up on that floor
Family was his life and not forgetting Sharron his wife.
Brian, Emma, Lydia and Matt lets support them as they come to terms with that.
Rest in peace Phil
Love Janice X
Community Manager, Mike Sage commented: ““He came to us on a six-month secondment but such was his passion and delivery style that he made a huge impact and joined us full-time – he was the perfect match.
“Phil was involved in rugby before he came to us and was instrumental in running the Newport Schools Under-11s District team, bringing through the likes of Lewis Evans and Ashley Smith. Without Phil they might not have gone on to play for the Dragons.
“He gave so much time to so many people and leaves a huge legacy here. The messages that we have had, show how much people thought of Phil, we’ve lost a good one.”
Newport Gwent Dragons Chief Executive, Stuart Davies added:
“The huge regard and fondness for Phil from his friends and colleagues at Rodney Parade has been very evident since last week’s sad news, and his significant contribution and commitment to Dragons Rugby is recognised and appreciated by all, not least the endless number of children that he so passionately trained and entertained.”
