Rugby player killed in motorbike crash was 'wonderful person'

International rugby referee Nigel Owens has paid tribute to a former player killed in a motorcycle crash, calling him "a wonderful person".

Beddau RFC's Riaz Majothi, 36, died near Builth Wells, Powys, on Monday while riding his KTM Duke.

Owens wrote on Twitter: "So sorry to hear this sad news. He was a wonderful person. RIP."

His old club said he was "one of our greatest characters" and "loved by all who had the privilege to know him".

Beddau chairman Mal Davies said the prop was "larger than life in more ways than one" and "the life and soul of the party".

Mr Majothi, who lived in Beddau, Rhondda Cynon Taf, had played for the club since he was a boy.

He came through the mini and junior ranks, and played mainly for the seconds, but also for the first team.

He was forced to retire with injury in his early 30s and went on to coach the seconds.

Mr Davies called him "a true gentleman who will be missed by our club, as well as our community, as a caring person who had time for everyone, young and old."

"Our club will miss him dearly and our love goes out to his family, friends and everybody who will have been touched by this sad news."

He added that Mr Majothi had taken up motorcycling in recent years and loved riding in mid-Wales.

"He was a pleasure to be around," he said.

"He'd go to other rugby clubs and everyone seemed to know him."

Mr Majothi was the only one involved in the accident on the B4520 Upper Chapel road, near Builth Wells at about 14:00 BST.

The road was closed for seven hours while Dyfed-Powys Police officers carried out an investigation.