A grand total of £1,350 has been raised in memory of a young rugby player who died in a car accident more than a decade ago.

William Gwyther died in March 2005 at the age of just 19. The teenager had been out celebrating Wales' rugby victory and was travelling home when the car he in left the road near Manorowen.

His friend, 21-year-old Euros Bowen from Little Newcastle, was also killed in the accident.

William was a former pupil at Fishguard’s Holy Name School and Ysgol Bro Gwaun. He was studying for a GNVQ in agriculture at Pembrokeshire College. In 2003, he won the Best First Year Agricultural student award.

He was a promising rugby player and had been actively involved in Fishguard Rugby Club from a young age.

His family have remained involved with the club and, on what would have been William’s 30th birthday, held a charity day to raise funds in his memory. This included a darts and spin bike marathon, a raffle and a game against Carmarthen Athletic.

“William was a big part of the club,” said first team manager James Morgans. “He began his early days of rugby in the mini section, progressing through the ages to eventually play for the youth team.

“He was outgoing, a really nice boy and a well-liked young man. He loved his rugby.”

“He played alongside his best friends Mark and Matthew George, Richard Hunter and the club captain Simon James. I am sure that his name would most certainly have been on our team sheet today.”

A total of £1,350 was raised in William’s memory and has been earmarked for certain projects involving the club.

These include sponsoring a home match and a memorial trophy for the First Team player of the year.

The family have also donated £300 towards the junior teams’ tour to Lyon, France and, along with Stena Line, have contributed to the new scoreboard at the Goodwick Moor pitch.

William’s family have expressed their gratitude to everyone who was involved in the fund-raising day and helped make it a great success.

“The club would also like to thank William’s family for their kind donation,” said James. “We hope the boys can do him proud.”