Former Wales fly-half and legendary broadcaster Cliff Morgan has died after a long illness at the age of 83.

Figures from the rugby world and the media were quick to pay tribute...

Very saddened to hear news that former Wales rugby union player and BBC broadcaster Cliff Morgan has died. #legend #RIP

— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) August 29, 2013

This is Gareth Edwards! A dramatic start! What a score! Oh, that fellow Edwards! Cliff Morgan a voice to make you fall in love with the game

— Ben Kay (@BenKay5) August 29, 2013

So sad to hear that Cliff Morgan has passed away. Great man. RIP

— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) August 29, 2013

Very sad to hear that Cliff Morgan has passed away. A true gentlemen and legend. Trist iawn clywed am farwolaeth Cliff Morgan.

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) August 29, 2013

So sad to hear that one of the great Welsh players and voice of rugby, Cliff Morgan, has passed away #atruegent

— RobJones9 (@RobNJones9) August 29, 2013

RIP Cliff Morgan - could anyone leave a better commentating legacy than this? http://t.co/nD35FFFUoT

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) August 29, 2013

Great shame to hear that Cliff Morgan has passed away. Wonderful player, commentator and ambassador for rugby worldwide. #RIP

— Official RFU (@Official_RFU) August 29, 2013

Very sad news about Cliff Morgan. A true gent and a Rhondda Valley hero. #RIP

— Martyn Williams (@martynewilliams) August 29, 2013

Tragic to hear of loss of Cliff Morgan today. Rugby legend who's left so many wonderful memories for so many.

— Mark McCafferty (@Mark_PremRugby) August 29, 2013

Farewell Cliff Morgan. Wonderful memories of that glorious voice, years ago, welcoming me as a young lad to the wonders of rugby

— Martin Bayfield (@MartinBayfield) August 29, 2013

Welsh rugby & @QofS_Official legend leaves our lives & we'll all be slightly less for it. Cliff Morgan..heroic voice and masterful swerve

— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) August 29, 2013

Former BBC sports presenter Des Lynam told ITV.com: "Cliff was one of the most charismatic men I ever met. I knew him as a brilliant rugby player for Wales and the British Lions only through those grainy black and white images from the Fifties but later he was my boss at BBC Radio, became my mentor and we formed a friendship that lasted for forty years.

"A brilliant broadcaster himself, his advice to those of us trying to make our way in the business was wise and invaluable. But underlying it all was his great sense of fun. "Enjoy yourself", he would say, "it's not working down the mine, is it?" Many of his family had done precisely that."

Cliffy always regretted his "What a score!" pay-off. "Don't tell people what they can see. I wish I'd said 'a dramatic start' and shut up."

— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) August 29, 2013

Sad to hear that Cliff Morgan has died. A trailblazer for top sportsmen going into broadcasting. Eloquent, passionate, witty, Charming #RIP

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 29, 2013

Much mourning today at the death of Cliff Morgan. A truly great Welsh rugby star and superb TV commentator. Called GEdwards great try v NZ!

— Keith Quinn (@KeithQuinn88) August 29, 2013

Very sad to hear of the death of the legendary Cliff Morgan - he was the epitome of everything that is good about Wales, The Welsh and rugby

— Phil Steele (@philsteele1) August 29, 2013

Cliff Morgan matched playing brilliance with broadcasting excellence.Great,sympathetic interviewer.So supportive of young colleagues

— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 29, 2013