Barry John dead aged 79: Wales and Lions fly-half rugby legend dies in hospital as family pays tribute | QNL42W3 | 2024-02-05 02:08:01
John played in 25 rugby internationals for Wales and five Exams for the
WALES and Lions fly-half legend Barry John has died in hospital aged 79 – together with his family paying tribute.
John played in 25 rugby internationals for Wales and five Exams for the Lions.
During his time as a player Wales gained three 5 Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns.
John was dubbed "The King" after his man-of-the-match performances towards within the historic 2-1 win over the All Blacks in 1971.
However rugby followers worldwide have been shocked when John retired the next yr aged just 27.
A household assertion learn: "Barry John died peacefully at the moment on the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and 4 youngsters.
"He was a loving dad to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother."
John, born in Cefneithin, north west of Swansea, in 1945, first played first-class rugby for Llanelli before shifting to Cardiff in 1967, the place he notably partnered legendary scrum-half Gareth Edwards.
John made his debut for Wales in a 14-11 defeat by Australia in 1966 and went on to win 25 caps, enjoying alongside scrum-half Edwards in all but two of his internationals.
John was first chosen for the Lions on their 1968 tour of South Africa, however it was a short-lived experience as he broke a collarbone early in the first Check towards the Springboks.
John rebounded a yr later in a Welsh staff boasting debutants J.P.R. Williams and Mervyn Davies and which gained the 1969 5 Nations Championship.
Wales shared the event with France a yr later earlier than sealing their first Grand Slam since 1952.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Gamers in that 1971 Championship-winning aspect, still feted as the most effective ever fielded by Wales, turned family names.
Then came the famed Lions tour to New Zealand, when John performed in 17 of the 26 tour matches and cemented his fame because the "conductor of the orchestra".
His pinpoint kicking was very important because the Lions notched up a 9-Three victory over the All Blacks within the first Check. New Zealand claimed a 22-12 win in the second earlier than the Lions gained the third 13-Three.
A 14-all draw in the fourth and remaining Check sealed a collection win for the tourists. John was hailed by New Zealand media as "The King".
He made just three extra appearances for Wales and a memorable finale at his Cardiff Arms Park floor: a Barry John XV versus a Carwyn James XV, the latter the 1971 Lions coach and a local of the identical village.
"I made a decision before the 5 Nations that I might finish at the finish of the season," John stated.
"We'd achieved something pretty spectacular collectively a couple of months earlier, so in my thoughts it was meant to be this manner, the right finale, as an alternative of letting the season drift after which making my announcement.
"The only ones I confided in have been Gareth and Gerald (Davies). I felt I owed them that, pulled them to at least one aspect just before kick-off and stated 'Pay attention, thanks for being great team-mates but this is my final recreation'."
SHOCK RETIREMENT
John, a magician in the purple shirt of Wales and the Lions, surprised the Welsh public by retiring, a choice he stated was right, but in addition not without regret.
He stated: "I was turning into increasingly detached from actual individuals. Others thought it was humorous, not me," John stated of the celebrity that his pivotal enjoying expertise had garnered.
"In the long run, it just wore me down. I knew I wasn't mentally or physically right for prime rugby."
He went on to work in finance, for a department of Midland Bank, earlier than working as a radio commentator and newspaper pundit.
Over his career John scored 120 factors in his 30 internationals for Wales and the Lions.
He is the second Welsh rugby legend to die this yr, after full-back& JPR Williams& passed away final month.
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