Tributes paid as hugely respected Welsh rugby journalist passes away

Tributes have been paid to respected rugby journalist Steve Bale, who has sadly died.

During his four decades covering the sport for the Western Mail and a number of national newspapers, Bale was one of the most respected and well-travelled writers in rugby - reporting on over 500 internationals and seven Lions tours.

His career in rugby journalism began back in 1973, with his home-town newspaper, the Neath Guardian, before spending time with the South Wales Evening Post, the South Wales Argus and the Western Mail.

Following his time in Wales, Bale worked at the Independent - becoming their rugby correspondent for eight years - before taking up similar roles at the Sunday Express, and then the Daily Express.

Prior to retiring in 2017, he worked for The Sunday Times as their Welsh rugby correspondent - with his final match being Exeter's Premiership final win over Wasps at Twickenham.

As well as the many Lions tours, Bale also covered seven Rugby World Cups and 16 England tours.

Paying tribute to Bale after he won the Peter Corrigan Welsh Sports Media award in 2018, former Daily Mail rugby correspondent Peter Jackson called him a "class act from start to finish".

"He has a lofty disdain for chumminess between reporters and performers, an even loftier disdain for anyone who savages the English language. Split infinitives are bad enough, but misplaced apostrophes demand a custodial sentence," Jackson said.

"His recent retirement leaves the English language exposed to all manner of maltreatment. Rugby journalism is all the poorer for one who has been truly a stylist in the widest sense – always using a fountain pen, never anything as cheap and nasty as a biro. He also has the best shorthand note of any sports reporter I’ve ever known and an insight into Rugby Football which enabled him to see things many of us often missed until we read his report.

"He is also in a class of his own when it comes to singing National Anthems – the Marseillaise, Advance Australia Fair, God Defend New Zealand, Fratteli d’Italia, the Soldier’s Song – he knows them all and sings them beautifully."

Following the sad news of his passing, several other former colleagues have paid tribute to Bale.

Bale's colleague at the Sunday Times, rugby correspondent Stephen Jones, said: "The worst news story, which will sadden people through rugby across the world. Steve Bale has lost his battle with illness; only saving grace is that (his children) Owen and Lara, who both live in the USA were with him together with Fleur.

"He wrote beautifully for a galaxy of newspapers, was dearly loved throughout the sport and way beyond. My dear mate on decades of touring."

In response to Jones' tweet, former Wales dual-code international Jonathan Davies posted: "So sorry to hear such sad news. What a brilliant journalist and a lovely engaging guy, RIP Steve.

"I was lucky to have many conversations over a few beers or dinner with Steve. My condolences to Fleur,Owen and Lara."

Former Telegraph rugby correspondent Mick Cleary added: "A dear friend and great colleague, Baler was a stalwart of the rugby-writing community.

"Through the tears I’d better make sure my syntax is up to scratch in paying tribute or he would be on my case. Steve will be missed grievously by many."

Guardian rugby correspondent Rob Kitson wrote: "So sad to hear that our wonderful press box colleague and friend Steve Bale has left our game.

"One of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet. Sending much love to Fleur and all the family. RIP Baler."

Former Mirror rugby correspondent Alex Spink said: "The loss of Steve Bale has hit us like a ton of bricks. A beautiful writer, the finest colleague and the best of pals.

"Impossible to recall a time his presence failed to lift the spirits. Oh, and nobody sung an anthem (any anthem) like he did. Sing one for him tonight. RIP Baler."

South African rugby journalist Brendan Nel wrote: "Sad to hear the news of my old mate Steve Bale passing. A top class journo, a man who would make a tour special and a great bloke to have a beer with. One of the old school UK journos I admired."

Irish Sunday Times journalist Peter O'Reilly added: "Terribly sad to hear that Steve Bale has lost his battle with illness. Baler was a top journo, a fine writer, a great tourist and just a lovely bloke who was popular in the press gang. Condolences to his nearest and dearest."