Simon’s rugby commitments ran parallel to his work as a solicitor and saw him chair the WRU’s Under 21 Committee, a key development responsibility for the youth game, and manage the Wales team tour to Japan in the late 1990s.
“Sam was a huge character in the game, he was always larger than live and truly instrumental in the success of Welsh rugby during his time,” said Davies.
“He was also a great club man and a dedicated servant to Pontypridd Rugby Club.
“The condolences of everyone in Welsh rugby go out to his family and friends.’
Sam Simon serving as a WRU board member
Simon was a former President of Pontypridd rugby club, a position he held for 30 years from 1974 until his retirement, and he played rugby for Glamorgan Wanderers, Pontypridd and the Crawshays club.
“It is with enormous sadness that we hear of the passing of one of Welsh rugby’s best characters,” said a spokesperson for Pontypridd rugby club.
“Despite retiring from the role after 30 years, Sam’s interest in the club remained at the forefront and he used to attend as many games as he could
“A player, President, committee man and fantastic rugby man, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Simon was one of South Wales’ best known solicitors, completing a half a century in the law after being admitted to the Roll in the autumn of 1959.
He was a former president of Cardiff Law Society and former trustee of Llandovery College, which he attended between 1948 and 1954, when he also played for the Youth Orchestra of Wales, from 1952 to 1954.
Sam Simon was Pontypridd RFC president for 30 years
He enjoyed a hugely successful career as a commercial lawyer, handling probate, trusts and property work, but will be remembered most vividly in the rugby family as a leading and respected administrator.
“During the club boom when Wales blazed a trail and unforgettable characters made the game the envy of the rugby world, Sam Simon stood out amongst the most unforgettable,” said the veteran sports journalist Peter Jackson.
“Deepest sympathy to his family and all those mourning his passing. Rest easy my old friend.”
