RHYL and District Rugby Club proudly unveiled their new children’s playground in memory of a team legend.

John Hardy, who is widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest ever players and supporters, suffered a heart attack on New Year’s Eve 2018 at the age of 66, and the playground in his honour was officially opened to the public recently.

This coincided with the club being able to serve food and drinks outside in a socially distanced environment in accordance with government guidelines.

Club members joined forces with Mr Hardy’s family and friends to raise funds for the project through a variety of activities such as the Three Peaks Challenge, donations from supporters, club members and local businesses.

They also received grant funding and a special dinner with former Wales and British Lions standout Ryan Jones also raised a considerable amount to the cause.

The facility features slides, a climbing wall, an inclined walkway, a basket swing and two spring riders, all in an enclosed area with safety flooring where children under the age of 12 can play safely.

Tony Evans, chairman of Rhyl and District Rugby Club, said: “We are all very proud of this addition to our community club which is a lasting memorial to John who is greatly missed by all at the club.”

Mr Hardy enjoyed a glittering playing career with the Dragons before returning to coach both the senior and junior sides.

He also played a prominent role in the development of RGC 1404 during the initial stages of their development, working closely with the likes of Rupert Moon and Marc Roberts in ensuring a thriving Academy structure was put in place that has played a huge contributing factor in the Gogs’ meteoric rise to the Principality Premiership and a historic WRU National Cup triumph.