The players of his beloved Scarlets responded with the sort of eight try performance against Leeds on Friday night which would have made their President proud, while Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher promised the club would ensure the name of Ray Gravell is remembered for a long time to come.
There was meant to be a minute of applause before the game in tribute to ‘Grav’ but there was a spontaneous period of silence followed by two minutes of clapping in memory of the man who embodied the passion of Welsh rugby.
The players walked onto the pitch and wore black armbands in the EDF Energy Cup game they won against Leeds 59-19.
Scarlets Coach Phil Davies said, “I think he would have been proud of the night. We had his name put on the front of the shirts which we felt was appropriate for him this evening.
“It is going to be a sad loss and maybe over the next couple of months it will be felt even more deeply than it is at the moment.”
Wales and Lions scrum half Dwayne Peel said, “It has been a very emotional and sad couple of days and I am sure that gives us an extra impetus, not just for tonight but for the rest of the season, because such a great man and a great servant – we owe him that.”
Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher said, “We have yet to sit down and discuss this properly, but I am sure that I speak for the whole of the board when I say we must find a way of making sure the name of Ray Gravell is remembered long after the rest of us have gone.”
Listen to the tributes from Stradey Park.
WRU Audio: Listen to the full interview with Scarlets Coach Phil Davies
WRU Audio: Listen to the full interview with Scarlets and Wales scrum half Dwayne Peel
WRU Audio: Listen to the full interview with Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher
WRU Audio: The fans pay tribute to Ray Gravell
target=_blank>Click Here for a Statistical Match Report from the Llanelli Scarlets v Leeds Carnegie match
