Former Bermuda national team rugby player Brian Toms has died, he was 63.

Toms passed away last week as a result of complications from a medical problem and his death has come as shock to many.

Remembered as “larger than life, and one of life’s characters”, Toms arrived on the Island in the 1970s to teach maths at Saltus Grammar School.

“He was an integral part of the community while he was here, and he left a lasting impression on a lot of the boys who were in school at the time,” Jon Beard, the school’s director of alumni relations, said.

“He was a good teacher and a good colleague.”

Considered one of the best players to pull on the Bermuda jersey in his position, Toms, who played hooker, was a committed member of the Teachers Rugby Club, and was remembered as an “outstanding person”, by Derek Hurdle, his former team-mate.

“I was captain of Teachers Rugby Club when Brian arrived to teach at Saltus Grammar School, and from when he first stepped onto the pitch I knew we had acquired a star,” Hurdle said. “During the time we played together he did not let me down. Bermuda had not seen a hooker of his calibre before. He was the total rugby package.

“During his playing days he was Teachers Rugby Club’s vice-captain, captain, president and most positions on the management committee. He was also a regular in the Bermuda National Rugby team during this period.

“It is due to Brian that Teachers Rugby Club are in the position they are in today.

“He always looked at ways to better rugby on the Island, and he hosted two young Bermudian players when he moved back to Wales, so they could get to experience playing rugby at a higher level in Wales.”

Toms moved back to Wales when he retired and has spent much of his time since watching his son, Brynley, rise through the ranks at Bedwas Rugby Club.

The younger Toms is consider to have plenty of potential and Hurdle said he was sure this made Brian “a proud, happy father”.

“With the passing of Brian we have lost an outstanding person,” Hurdle said. “Although never an angel, he will always be remembered as a true Bermuda Rugby legend.”

The Bermuda Rugby Football Union added their condolences, remembering a man they said was instrumental in taking the game on the Island forward.

“During the 1970s and 1980s Brian Toms was a very prominent member of Teachers RFC and figured in the national team both as a player and a manager,” Sean Field-Lament, the BRFU president, said.

“As a proud Welshman he brought his love of rugby to Bermuda. Apart from his influence at teaching youth at Saltus — he was also instrumental in pushing local rugby forward by encouraging young Bermudians to embrace the camaraderie and competitive spirit for which rugby is famous.

“His untimely passing should remind the present rugby generation in Bermuda of the wonderful foundation that was laid by past players. Brian Toms epitomised the dedicated amateur ethos that has helped place Bermuda Rugby where it is now.

“It is heartwarming that his rugby legacy lives on in his Bermudian born son Brynley Toms. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and numerous friends.”