Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a "talented" and "dedicated" 18-year-old rugby player who has died after a road collision.
Ceirion Galliers, from Abercanaid in Merthyr Tydfil, was hit by a car on Saturday and died two days later in hospital on Monday, July 24.
The young Merthyr RFC player has been described as a "beautiful person" with an infectious personality and a role model for others.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "South Wales Police is continuing to investigate a road traffic collision which happened on the A4060 northbound carriageway between Pentrebach and Mountain Hare in Merthyr Tydfil. The collision was reported at around 10.40pm on Saturday, July 22, and involved a Fiat 500 driven by a 19-year-old woman from Merthyr Vale and a male pedestrian. Unfortunately, the injured male, an 18-year-old man from Abercanaid has later died in hospital as a result of the injuries sustained in the collision."
Paying tribute to him on Facebook, Merthyr RFC said: "We are devastated at the passing of Ceirion Galliers, a young, talented, and beautiful person, taken far too soon. We can not imagine the pain and heartache family and close friends are experiencing, and we pray for your peace and comfort.
"Ceirion will forever be an Ironman, the Wern his playground, his enjoyment. Anyone wishing to place flowers and reminisce, please feel free to come together at the Wern. We welcome the placing of flowers on the banking behind the posts adjacent to the car park. #ForeverAnIronman".
Club chairman Craig Dummett said: "On behalf of Merthyr RFC, I wish to express our deepest condolences to Ceirion’s family. We have lost a talented, dedicated young man whose infectious personality and willingness to give his time to others was a special trait. Ceirion will be sorely missed by his rugby family.”
Ceirion's former school, Afon Taf High School, said on social media: "From the moment he entered the school to the day he left, Ceirion Galliers was the consummate pupil. He involved himself in all aspects of school life and was a role model for others. He was the most polite, respectful, hardworking and kind young man.
"It was with an incredibly heavy heart that we learned of the untimely passing of our former head boy. It has shaken our entire community and the messages we have received from pupils past and present, staff who knew Ceirion and external partners just go to show what an amazing young person he was."
On Tuesday, Merthyr sports club Penydarren Boys and Girls Club staged a minute's applause at their fixture in memory of their loyal fan.
A Facebook post from the club said: "Ceirion was a regular supporter of the club following both our senior and youth teams each weekend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Cardiff Rugby said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Cardiff Rugby RAG U16s player Ceirion Galliers. Our thoughts are with the Galliers family, Merthyr RFC Youth and the wider rugby community at this difficult time."
Merthyr Schools Rugby U15s said: "We are devastated with [the] news of the tragic passing of our former scrum-half Ceirion Galliers. A wonderful, caring young man who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace now Cei #9. Our thoughts and prayers at this time go to all Ceirion's family and friends."
