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Rugby player killed in A48 collision named

Sunday, 20 October 2024 13:28

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Family photo (South Wales Police)

Tributes have been paid to a rugby player killed in a two-vehicle collision near Cowbridge.

Mark Orpin died after a red Vauxhall Corsa collided with a green Land Rover Defender on the A48 bypass near Gibbet Hill on Wednesday evening.

The 35 year-old from Taibach, Port Talbot, played rugby for Glais RFC and was also an under 12's coach for Bridgend Bulls.

He's been described by his partner as "one of the most gentle, loving, and purest people you would ever meet".

In a statement via police, Emliy said: "Mark had more close friends than you could imagine, and this shows how nice of a guy he really was. Friends from school, university, the people he met through his dedication to charity work and from his lone travels to many countries across the globe."

"He would go out for a walk or to the shop, in this country or another, and have to stop ten times to say hello to everyone he knew. This didn’t help his poor time keeping like his closest will know."

"It’s no surprise that most of Mark’s friends were from rugby. Rugby wasn’t just a hobby for Mark, it was a way of life. He lived and breathed rugby and his passion for the sport was inspiring."

"From playing every weekend and training throughout the week, he even managed to fit in coaching the under 12s Bridgend Bulls team. A lot of these young boys would have looked up to Mark and thought, ‘I want to be just like him’ and who wouldn’t want to be? Mark was a legend."

"Mark was a great brother to James and especially to his younger brother Sam. Mark always made sure Sam was included in everything he did and Mark was protective over Sam even from a young age."

"Nights out, holidays abroad, even just going to the shop, Sam was glued to Mark’s side and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way."

“Mark was a fantastic son - you could not have asked for more from him. Mark is a credit to Peter and Mandy, who should be so proud of the man they raised. You can see that Peter and Mandy’s love made Mark who we all know him to be."

“Mark was the best partner a girl could wish for; he even took on the nickname of Asda and just rolled with it. A true gentleman who cared about the small things and would even say, ‘I’m not on COD tonight boys, I’m spending time with Em’."

“We are all truly heartbroken and distraught that Mark is no longer with us. We take comfort in the fact that no matter how long he was in our lives, he made our lives better."

"He was the glue that held a lot of people together and we will remember him for being the kind, rugby loving ginger who we all love and miss. We love you Mark."

Glais RFC, based in the Swansea Valley, called off their scheduled Admiral League game against Seven Sisters at the weekend.

A club spokesperson described Mr Oprin as "a true gentleman", who "will be deeply missed by the entire Glais RFC family."

They added: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Emily and all of Mark's family and friends during this difficult time."

Another man was injured in the two vehicle collision and taken to hospital for treatment.

South Wales Police are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage to call 101 or via the live web chat, quoting reference no. 2400345160.

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