TRIBUTES have poured in for a former Welsh international rugby player from Flintshire. 

Ian Buckett, from Holywell, sadly passed away on Sunday (July 7) aged 56. 

In announcing his passing on social media, Flint Rugby Club paid a touching tribute to the "gentleman" that was Ian.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Ian started his illustrious rugby career at Delyn RFC, where his talents were soon recognised and was selected for Welsh Schools, he then played for a number of North Wales clubs and Birkenhead Park before moving down to play for Swansea.

"Ian spent nine seasons at Swansea and in that time, he played for Wales U21 Wales A, he represented the Barbarians against Argentina, Leicester and Newport, he gained an Oxford blue while studying at Oxford University, Ian topped his rugby career with three full caps and nine uncapped appearances for Wales.

"In 1998 Ian left Swansea and headed for London and played for London Welsh.

"Once Ian had finished playing first class rugby he returned to his home Holywell and club Flint, where he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience helping the club, being chairman for three years, even playing for a season and turning out for the North Wales Barbarians a few times.

"Ian was also instrumental in helping RGC in their early years, putting his experience of being a professional player and solicitor to good use.

"Ian has touched so many lives and he'll be sorely missed, not only at Flint RFC, but also throughout North Wales, Wales and the wider rugby community.

"Ian was a gentleman and good friend to everyone, our thoughts go out to Ian's son Conor and family, rest in peace old friend."

RGC also paid tribute to Ian, a spokesperson said: "All at RGC are sorry to hear about the passing of Ian Buckett who was part of the committee that helped to set up RGC as an entity and provided valuable insight from both a playing and business perspective.

"Playing for a range of North Wales Clubs, before heading south to Swansea , London Welsh and Oxford University.

"Representing Wales from U21s, Wales A and three Senior caps, as well as wearing the famous black and white of the Barbarians.

"We send our condolences to his family and friends at this time."

A spokesperson from London Welsh added: "Ian Joined London Welsh in 1998 after a successful career at Swansea RFC where he made 184 appearances and it was whilst a player at Swansea that Ian won his three full Welsh caps.

"Ian then came to London and joined London Welsh becoming a key member of the squad that fought the campaign that saw London Welsh finish fourth in their first year in the Allied Dunbar Premiership 2 after being promoted from National 1 that same year.

"Ian has been taken far too early and there will be many many people at London Welsh who will remember playing with, watching or having a pint with Ian at the bar.

"So from all of us at London Welsh, we offer our deepest sympathies to Ian's Family and friends both inside and out of the rugby family at this very sad time."