Tenby United and the wider Welsh rugby community have paid heartfelt tribute to Tim Poole, a respected coach and volunteer who supported development and education across the region.
Tenby United coach Tim Poole remembered by club and Welsh rugby community
Tim Poole, a longtime volunteer and most recently head coach of Tenby United RFC’s Athletic XV, has died, the club has announced. The news has been met with widespread sorrow across the Welsh rugby community.
A steady, approachable presence
Tenby United described Poole as “one of life’s genuinely good guys,” respected by players, fellow coaches and volunteers alike. He was known for his easy manner, practical mentorship and an unwavering focus on developing players and coaches at grassroots level.
A lifetime of voluntary service
Poole spent many years giving his time to the club in a variety of roles before stepping up as Athletic XV head coach. Beyond matchday duties he ran coaching and welfare programmes across the region — from Level 1 coaching courses to safeguarding and first-aid training — all aimed at equipping volunteers and junior coaches with hands-on skills.
Club officials say those sessions trained well over 1,000 people, strengthening coaching capacity and raising safety standards at local clubs. Colleagues remember him for combining sound technical knowledge with clear safeguarding practice, and for the one-to-one support he offered to newer coaches.
Impact across the region
Before his work with Tenby, Poole led the Scarlets West youth side and helped guide many young players into senior rugby. Jonathan Evans, Tenby United’s head of rugby, said messages of sympathy have poured in from across the game. “My phone hasn’t stopped,” he said, noting how many junior coaches in the area attended courses Tim ran.
Evans highlighted Poole’s role in building development pathways that helped players progress through the club’s ranks and expanded the pool of capable coaches in the region.
Immediate arrangements and community response
Tenby United has postponed senior fixtures against Burry Port and St. Davids to allow the club and wider community time to grieve and to support Tim’s family. The club has asked well-wishers to send messages through its official channels to respect the family’s privacy. Some midweek junior sessions were also postponed where necessary while volunteer coordinators arrange cover for essential duties.
Tributes have appeared across social media and in direct messages to the club. Former players, volunteers and neighbouring clubs have shared memories of Poole’s calm presence, practical help and the pride he took in local players’ progress.
A practical, lasting legacy
Those who knew him say Poole’s legacy isn’t measured only in match results but in the people he mentored and the safer, better-structured youth programmes he helped create. Club officials point to more young players progressing to senior squads and a steadier volunteer base as tangible outcomes of his work.
Tenby United is inviting anyone with memories or information about Tim’s contribution to submit them through the club’s official channels for an archival tribute. The club will share further details with members and supporters in due course.
A steady, approachable presence
Tenby United described Poole as “one of life’s genuinely good guys,” respected by players, fellow coaches and volunteers alike. He was known for his easy manner, practical mentorship and an unwavering focus on developing players and coaches at grassroots level.0
