MONMOUTH Rugby Club’s secretary has scooped the third place spot in Peter’s Pies Welsh Rugby Heroes competition, winning £2,000 of Under Armour kit for the club.

The contest asked clubs and individuals to nominate a local rugby hero who’s gone the extra mile in supporting the game at grassroots level.

Described as the “heart and soul” of the club, Byron Hapgood has been with Monmouth RFC for 45 years as a player, captain, coach and chairman. He was project manager in the extension of the club house and the building of the pavilion.

Byron said: “I’m very proud to have been awarded third place. I was in a group of excellent finalists.

“I’d like to say congratulations to the first place winner.

“I’m pleased to receive £2,000 of kit for the club.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for voting for me. A lot was done via social media, thank you very much.”

The competition, which received more than 100 entries, was won by Brecon RFC’s Andy Lewis who won £5,000 of Under Armour kit and equipment for his club.

In second place came Neil Cole of Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd securing £3,000 of Under Armour kit. The remaining 12 finalists each received £100 of Under Armour kit vouchers and all finalists received a Welsh Rugby Union jersey.

Commercial director for Peter’s Pies, James Osgood, said: “A huge congratulations to all our Peter’s Welsh Rugby Hero finalists and, of course, our top three.

“The response throughout the entire competition has been extraordinary. We were inundated with nominations from clubs, players and fans from across Wales all with humbling stories of why their hero should win the competition.

“The judges had a tough time whittling our nominees down to the final 15, but the public did a great job in helping to make the decision. We thank everyone who took the time to nominate or vote for someone. The calibre of entries was extremely high and it shows us just how much passion there is in Wales for our beloved rugby.”