TRIBUTES have been paid to former Ebbw Vale president and Glamorgan cricket club chairman Paul Russell following his death on Saturday.

While with the Steelmen, Russell, who had a successful career as a partner of Anderson Consulting, played a key role in helping set-up regional rugby in Wales.

His tenure as president at Eugene Cross Park corresponded with the game becoming professional and the club enjoying a hugely prosperous era on the pitch.

A club statement read: “Paul presided over arguably Ebbw Vale RFC’s most successful period, leading the club into the professional era in the 90s, bringing European Cup rugby to Ebbw Vale and enabling local players to grow into Welsh internationals.

“Those of us that were fortunate to follow the club at that time have fantastic memories to thank Paul for.

“His contribution to his hometown club cannot be underestimated and will never be forgotten.

"Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends.”

As Glamorgan chairman, Russell was the driving force behind the transformation of the county’s Sophia Gardens ground in Cardiff into a venue for Test and one-day international matches.

Barry O’Brien, his successor as chairman, added: “Paul Russell has joined the ranks of the Glamorgan greats.

“His passion, energy and commitment led to the redevelopment of the SSE Swalec as one of the finest Test match venues.

“Paul had a great sense of humour, an encyclopaedic knowledge of cricket and a fantastic store of very funny stories.

“He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his wife, Sarah, and his family at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Ebbw Vale's league game against Pontypridd at Eugene Cross Park has been switched to Friday, February 9 (kick-off 7.15pm).

It was moved from the Saturday so as not to clash with Wales' Six Nations showdown against England.