It is with sadness that we have learned of the sudden death of Welsh international Idwal Fisher. He passed away at the age of 76 in Lockerbie, Scotland.

He signed for Warrington on his 27th birthday, 3rd February 1962, having played rugby union for Swansea. Initially he lodged with coach Ernie Ashcroft, before he was able to move his family up to Warrington.

The giant Welshman made his debut on 24 March 1962 at Wilderspool when Warrington defeated Barrow 36-9. Fisher partnered Laurie Gilfedder in the second row, in front of 5,057 spectators. A month later on Easter Monday he played in Brian Bevan’s final match for Warrington.

He was later transferred to the new Bradford Northern club, when they reformed in 1964. He played in their Yorkshire Cup winning team of 1964. He finished his career with a few games for Bramley in 1969.

He was in the Welsh team that lost 3-23 to France in Toulouse on 17 February 1963.

Fisher was a typical Welsh rugby forward, who put himself about on the pitch and made many friends of it. He was a successful business man who spent 10 years in Arizona. Golf was his passion after he finished playing rugby. Though a serious accident on the golf course five years ago curtailed his playing time.

Idwal is survived by his wife Peggy and their four children Keith, Andrew, Lynn and Sharon. Idwal and Peggy were living with their daughter Sharon in Lockerbie. The funeral was at Ayr Crematorium last Friday.