A rugby writer who served a number of regional titles during his career has died aged 72.

Tributes have been paid to Steve Bale, who went from his hometown newspaper to Fleet Street during a career spanning four decades.

Steve, pictured, started out on the Neath Guardian and also served the South Wales Evening Post, South Wales Argus, Western Mail, The Independent, The Sunday Express, Daily Express and finally the Sunday Times.

He reported on more than 400 rugby internationals all over the world, including 16 England tours, seven Rugby World Cups and seven British & Irish Lions tours.

In 2018, he was named as the winner of the annual Peter Corrigan Welsh Sports Media Award at the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame ‘Roll of Honour’ dinner.

Rob Cole, who worked with Steve during his time at the Western Mail, said: “Steve combined a deep and intimate knowledge of the game with a wonderful writing style.

“A kind and considerate man, he was always great company and much loved by all his colleagues.

“His was a classic journey from a local weekly newspaper to the heights of Fleet Street.

“He started in Neath and always loved going back to The Gnoll where it had all begun for him. Everyone in the industry has lost a great friend.”

Steve is survived by his wife Fleur and children Owen and Lara.