37-year-old former rugby league international Scott Bessant dies with pneumonia

Former Wales rugby league international Scott Bessant has died in hospital after complications from pneumonia.

The Ponytpool born player was left with brain damage after he was found unconscious, and with multiple injuries, in 2017 near a bridge in Pentwyn, Torfaen.

He had multiple fractures to the skull, a fractured neck and would go on to suffer multiple strokes.

He had been living in a care home but was due to eventually move in with his sister who was having her home adapted.

There had been concerns that Scott had contracted coronavirus in April.

In a statement, Wales Rugby League said: "For over 950 days, Scott’s parents, Howard and Jackie, didn’t missed a day in visiting their son, until everything went on lockdown.

"Everyone at Wales Rugby League sends their sincere condolences to Scott’s family and his multitude of friends."

The 37-year old was a keen rugby player from his school days and would go on to play for Pontypool, Newport Titans and Torfaen Tigers.

Scott won the first of his six Wales Dragonhearts caps in 2008. He scored a try in his debt, helping Wales to a 62-20 win over Scotland Bravehearts in Glasgow.

He would score another in a 32-24 win over Ireland Wolfhound, helping Wales' community international side win the Four Nations Championship.

In his thirties he moved into coaching, taking charge of Newport and later Torfaen.