It is with great sadness that the club learned that Howell Phillips passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer, his family were with him at his bedside. Howell was an Argaum Legend having been an influential player in the 1970s and 80s, including a season as captain, then going on to coach the club. After a spell at the helm of local rivals OPM he returned to Argaum in 2010 to spark the club's revival after a period in the doldrums; he later completed his club coaching career with Plympton Victoria. His role as PE teacher at St Boniface's College allowed him to develop countless players and his influence is felt throughout the Combination where pretty much every team has a former pupil of Howell's.

Chairman Nick Hancock was one of countless to pay tribute on social media this morning. 'RIP Howell, a massive influence on me becoming a rugby player and making me a prop from the word go even though I never really wanted to play. You had a massive impact on the lives of all you met and you will surely be missed by all. Gorffwys Mewn Heddwch'

Howell’s involvement with rugby in Plymouth started when The College of St Mark & St John moved from its original Chelsea base to Plymouth in the early 1970s. Having completed his first year with the Teacher Training College in London, he swapped the bright lights of West London for the West Country to complete his studies. Marjons, as it became, didn’t have a pitch of their own so struck up a relationship with Plymouth Argaum to utilise their facilities. It was in this way the Howell along with a number of college team mates started plying his trade at Bickleigh Down in the mid 1970s.

Befitting someone brought up in the Rhondda Valley, Howell was a rugged, no-nonsense prop forward who could also be found in the second row. However his handling skills honed on a background in basketball meant that he was equally comfortable when operating outside the ‘boiler room’ in loose play. These attributes, combined with a larger than life character saw him elected as Argaum 1st XV skipper in 1978-79. An injury in early season saw him miss the early part of this season but on his return it was noted in the press that his coaching had helped the side. Howell continued to play for the Wanderers for a number of seasons and employed his vocal talents when taking party in the 3rd half, something Argaum was well known for.

Howell later moved to OPMs but his links with Argaum were rekindled some years later through the club’s burgeoning junior section. With an increasing number of St Boniface pupils joining the junior ranks, Howell ran some guest coaching sessions before eventually running one of the colts sides. Shortly after Howell was invited to coach the senior section who had struggled for a number of seasons. Bringing long-time associate Dave Fuge to the club, the pair brought some much-needed organisation and started to turn the fortunes around. With an influx of marines the side then finished 3rd in the league in 2009-10.
Howell was a hugely popular figure at PAPPA reunion events with links to club members from the 1970s through to present day, many of whom he has either played alongside, taught or coached along the way. His later coaching stint at Plympton Victoria even attracted some Argaum old boys to take to the field once again.

In 2017 when former pupils realised that Howell was suffering from bone cancer they got together to organise a hugely successful Charity Match at Plymouth Albion featuring St Boniface Old Boys XV v Howell’s Select XV. The previous month they arranged a VIP day at The Principality Stadium for Howell to meet the Welsh International stars, including captain Sam Warburton.

In recent years Howell was still to be seen on the local rugby touchlines, whether watching son Rhys at OPM, following Plymouth Albion with old pal Mike Worth or braving the elements at Bickleigh Down to follow 'The Argaum'. With links to so many clubs he was also in demand to present trophies at Combination Cup Finals. In 2019 he was nominated for the Evening Herald Stuart Munday award for his outstanding contribution to sport, don't forget he was also a talented basketball player and coach. He was never afraid of voicing his opinion on the current state of rugby and like most coaches had plenty of advice for officials and players alike!

Aside from sport, Howell was always in demand as a choirmaster in any rugby clubhouse and became a regular strummer with The Queens Dock Ukulele Players. Despite repeated spells in St Lukes Hospice, Howell's battling spirit inspired his son Rhys to completing the epic 'Triple H Challenge' walking and cycling from Plymouth to North Wales. Happily, he was able to raise a glass of Penderyn to his son's efforts.

Since learning of his passing tributes have been pouring in across social media pages . There will be countless stories about Howell in the coming days and weeks but our thoughts are firmly with Gill, Rhys, Bethan and family to whom we send our sincerest condolences.

On a bitter November night almost 30 years ago, when I ventured on to a windswept Bickleigh Down for my first training session at the club, Howell's mellifluous Porth tones were barking out rugby common sense and I knew I'd come to the right place! I and many others across the regional rugby community owe a huge debt of gratitude to Howell. Diolch yn Fawr and as they say in the valleys; 'Howell, tara butt!'.

Just some of the tributes from social media:
Was an honour to play and be coached by a great man - Jason Mullard

The greatest man I have crossed paths with in my life - Dave Johnson

What a loss . Great clubman at Argaum, original member of the Jolly Boys Club. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him RIP - Richard Lock

I didn’t get as much time with Howell as many Plymouth players but when he came to Argaum he was one of (a select few) coaches who came in and helped everyone raise their game, play more as a team than as individuals and always had a calming but authoritative air combined with a sharp welsh wit - Andy Jones

With his little pick and shovel he is there now. ! I so remember his songs and he was one of the most knowledgeable rugby players that I have ever met. I learned so much from him (especially how not to be seen by the ref) - Tommy Cooper

Howell was two years ahead of me at Marjons, where he was Marjons rugby. He was my first captain at Argaum when I took up the game in 1977. Too many stories to tell, and too soon for me. He was a unique man and, although we knew it was coming it’s incredibly painful. Sincere condolences to Gill and his family. Enjoy that Goldmine in the Sky, Howell xxx - Nick Hall

RIP Mr. Phillips and to many 'Howell' you will leave a gap in Devon rugby, but an even bigger one in your family and those who were lucky enough to have worked ,played or socialized with such a fantastic individual. ffarwel brawd yn chwarae'n galed ond yn weddol cu yn ddiweddarach - Mark Shepherd

One amazing gentleman, taught our boys at St Boniface, our favourite teacher you will be so missed Howell RiP love to all your family - Tina Moulder

Howell at Argaum

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