He was known throughout Wales and the rest of the rugby world for his work promoting Japanese and Asian rugby and in 1985 was awarded an honorary OBE by the Queen for his contribution to developing the game. Shiggy Konno also served as Vice President, President and Honorary Advisor to the JRFU and was instrumental in setting up the Asian Rugby Football Union.

Welsh Rugby Union Chairman, David Pickering, said: “Shiggy Konno was a great rugby personality and a man of integrity and vision who was held in the highest regard here in Wales. He will also be remembered with great warmth here and we want to express our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in Japan.”