Cardiff Blues send their best wishes to Mark Hopkins, who stood down from his volunteering work in the Cardiff Blues region after more than 25 years of service to Mini, Junior, Youth and Senior rugby.
Hopkins, who is also an avid Cardiff Blues supporter and is regularly spotted on the Cardiff Arms Park terraces, has been at the heart of community rugby throughout the Merthyr Tydfil county borough and with the HOW Junior District Association and District C U19 Game Management Group (GMG).
From fixture secretary to coach, and from team manager to junior chairperson, Hopkins has been a dedicated, committed and crucial figure for local rugby and his invaluable contribution to the community game was recognised in 2017, as he was awarded Cardiff Blues’ Outstanding Contribution to Community Rugby at the end of season awards. Having started out at Dowlais RFC, he has played a key role in the development of young players across District C.
Director of the Cardiff Blues Community Foundation, Nadine Griffiths, said: “I’ve been very fortunate to get to know Mark well over the years, and he’s been a real staple of community rugby in his local area.
“His years of volunteer services and commitment to the game have been invaluable for players of all ages, and he is a fantastic representation of the great work done throughout the region.
“We were delighted when he was recognised for his outstanding contribution to community rugby at the Cardiff Blues awards night in 2017. He’s always done the best for his community, and has played a key role in the strength of local rugby in the District C area - from mini rugby to senior rugby.
“We wish Mark the very best with his next steps and can’t wait to welcome him back down to the Arms Park when everything is back up-and-running.”
A number of Cardiff Blues players have come through clubs local to the Merthyr area, including the likes of Kristian Dacey and Tom James.
Welsh international Dacey, who will present Hopkins with a match-worn jersey this season, said: “25 years of volunteering is a phenomenal effort. Mark has been at the forefront of community rugby in our local area and we’re very grateful for the work he’s done over the years.
“I look back at when I started out my rugby during that time, and now my son, Tal, will be doing the same in the near future, and the opportunities that are available locally are down to the crucial work done by volunteers like Mark.
“He’s a great bloke who has dedicated his life to rugby and helping others and I wish him the very best with whatever comes next.”
Dacey’s brother, Gavin, who works as a WRU regional community manager within the Cardiff Blues region, added: "Mark has been an incredible and committed volunteer to rugby in Wales for over 25 years, his energy and drive epitomizes his selfless personality and passion for all things rugby in Wales.”