Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Maesteg RFC coach Austen Howells's stag do death probed

Austen Howells
Police are investigating the death of a rugby coach who died while on a stag do near Manchester.

Father-of-two Austen Howells, 40, a coach at Maesteg RFC, was found dead in his hotel room on Saturday afternoon.

The group were staying at the Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club, Stockport, and police are looking at whether his death was linked to drink or drugs.

Mr Howells had just returned to his home town club to take up a coaching role but previously played for them.

He had also played fly-half for Bridgend, Tonmawr and Cwmafan as well as representing Wales at youth level.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Officers attended and discovered the body of a man in his 40s.

"Police are working to establish how the man died but at this stage, do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances."

Club spokesman Dennis Thomas said Mr Howells' death was a shock to everyone at the club.

He added: "He was a great talented player and a very talented backs coach.

"We were looking forward to him working with our team and head coach."

Married Mr Howells was remembered by friends as a "crazy man with a heart of gold".

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