Tributes have been paid to a Welsh rugby player who has died at the age of 39, following a short illness.
Nathan ‘Noddy’ Nordhoff represented Cwmtwrch RFC for more than 15 years, playing regularly in the front row for the club’s first team. He had also recently committed to be part of the club’s second team next season, but tragically passed away last week, leaving his team-mates, coaches and the wider community devastated.
The tragic news came ahead Cwmtwrch’s 36-12 win over Banwen RFC on Saturday, with a minute’s silence held ahead of kick-off as Nordhoff’s younger brother brought the match ball onto the field. His team-mates also paid tribute to him during the game, as they all took to the pitch wearing wrist tape with ‘Noddy’ written on it.
In a statement issued ahead of the game, the club paid tribute to ‘Noddy’, who also worked as a decorator, saying he “painted the club and many a place in bright colours with his infectious smile, laugh and wicked sense of humour”.
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“We go into today’s game as a club with a heavy heart,” the statement read. “This week we were sadly notified of the passing of Nathan ‘Noddy’ Nordhoff, one of our current club playing members, following a short illness.
“Noddy has served the club for over 15 years, and had served as a regular first-team player as part of the front row union, until age and work commitments took their toll, that said he had recently committed to the start-up of the second XV next season.
“A decorator by trade, Noddy certainly painted the club and many a place in bright colours with his infectious smile, laugh and wicked sense of humour,” the statement added.
“You are one who has gone too soon our friend, sleep well. You are going to be sadly missed by a great number of friends within our club and the extended community. RIP Nathan ‘Noddy’ Nordhoff.”
Cwmtwrch RFC president Bertie Roberts said Nordhoff was “a very-well liked character” at the club and throughout the wider community.
“It’s hit us all at the club very much,” he said. “Nobody expected it.
“Noddy was a very well-liked character. He was here for 15 years. He was a great guy to have around and nobody had a bad word to say about him.
“He was a painter decorator by trade and he got a lot of business. He was someone that was known throughout the Swansea and Amman Valleys.
“He was a front rower, a prop, really strong, and he was going to be part of the second team next season,” Mr Roberts added. “On Saturday, the boys all put tape around their wrists and had ‘Noddy’ written on the tape, every single player. It was quite emotional.”
Former Test referee Nigel Owens was among those to also pay tribute to Nordhoff, as he wrote on X: “Very sad news. My condolences to his family and friends. A lovely guy.”
Ex-Wales international Andy Moore added: “My condolences to friends, family and all at the club who knew him.”
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