WRU mourns Stuart Gallacher

The Welsh Rugby Union has led the tributes to former Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher, who has died aged 68.

Gallacher represented Wales in both rugby league and rugby union before becoming the first chief executive of Regional Rugby Wales, also serving on the board of the European Rugby Cup.

A minute's silence will be held during Sunday's WRU Annual General Meeting and ahead of today's European matches involving Welsh sides Ospreys and Scarlets.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "Stuart dedicated his life outside his family to the game of rugby, and his contribution down the years will prove a fitting epitaph to his commitment and loyalty.

"His understanding and love for the game meant he was always able to contribute positively to important decisions which formed the road map for the development of the sport."

And WRU president Dennis Gethin added: "Stuart was a close friend of so many people involved in Welsh rugby, and all of us are aware of his incredible contribution to our game.

"It is rare for anyone to achieve so much both on and off the field within our game, but Stuart was an exceptional individual who gave so much."" Stuart dedicated his life outside his family to the game of rugby, and his contribution down the years will prove a fitting epitaph to his commitment and loyalty.

"His understanding and love for the game meant he was always able to contribute positively to important decisions which formed the road map for the development of the sport."

And WRU president Dennis Gethin added: "Stuart was a close friend of so many people involved in Welsh rugby, and all of us are aware of his incredible contribution to our game.

"It is rare for anyone to achieve so much both on and off the field within our game, but Stuart was an exceptional individual who gave so much."