A dad-of-three has tragically died following a battle with bone cancer after initially believing he'd pulled a muscle in his leg.
Tributes have been paid to Jack Dawson, 38, who moved to Swansea for university and developed a name in the rugby community across south Wales.
A fundraiser has been launched for Jack's young family with money going towards organising a memorial bench overlooking one of his favourite beaches in Swansea, Wales Online reports.
Former Wales rugby captain Ryan Jones was one of those urging people to support the appeal.
And any leftover cash will go to Jacks' partner, Alice, and their three young children - Evie, six, Annabel, four, and George, 20 months. You can donate to it by clicking here.
Jack was described as an athletic and outgoing man who "made an impression on people wherever he went with a personality and booming voice you would never forget".
He was diagnosed with bone cancer after seeking medical help for what he believed at first was a pulled muscle in his leg. After a seven-month battle, Jack sadly died.
"It just came so out of the blue and rocked everyone, for someone that was so traditionally fit and healthy it was difficult to take and very overwhelming. It just felt unfair," said best friend Jack Purcell.
Jack decided to pursue academic studies in Swansea University following a game against his then Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club in 2003.
The sports science student would go on to play for Swansea RFC in their first year of regional rugby in 2003, captain the Swansea University team from 2004-2005 and lead them to victory in a 2005 Varsity match alongside teammate and Welsh international Alun Wyn Jones.
Jack would also go on to play for several years under Tredegar RFC whilst living in Newport, where he also became team captain.
"He just really embraced life and travelled a lot, he knew people from all over the world after living in Australia for several years before returning to South Wales with Alice," added Mr Purcell.
"The overwhelming thing for me is I've had people contact me from Australia, Canada, America and Hong Kong talking about the impact he had on them and wanting to help out. He's left a lasting impression on people."
Mr Purcell's partner is also a childhood friend of Alice.
"He was an incredible dad, he was relentless on the rugby field and so competitive but off the field he was such a gentle bloke and it really reflected in his kids and how he looked after them.
"He always wanted to take the kids outdoors and would take any opportunity to do so, he was a really special bloke."
Discussions are underway to remember his name in future Varsity matches with hopes of renaming the man of the match award in his honour.
A minute's silence was also held at a recent league fixture between Swansea and Cardiff University in his memory.
Jack's funeral will take place on Thursday, February 10.
