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Barry John’s remaining worldwide was a victory in opposition to France in 1972
Barry John, the legendary former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half, has died aged 79.
After making his debut in 1966, John performed in 25 internationals for Wales and 5 Tests for the Lions.
A household assertion learn: “Barry John died peacefully in the present day on the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving spouse and 4 kids.
“He was a loving Dadcu [grandfather] to 11 grandchildren and a much-loved brother.”
Wales gained three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns throughout his stint on the worldwide stage.
John cemented his Lions legacy in opposition to the All Blacks in 1971 by enjoying a starring function within the historic 2-1 win over the hosts, who dubbed him ‘The King’.
He retired the next 12 months aged simply 27.
John was central to Wales’ 1971 Grand Slam – their first since 1952 – sealed by a 9-5 win in opposition to France in Paris, their first there for 14 years.
He made his debut as Wales misplaced to Australia in Cardiff in December 1966, and needed to wait almost a 12 months earlier than partnering scrum-half Sir Gareth Edwards for the primary time in a 13-6 home defeat by New Zealand.
John and his former Cardiff and Lions team-mate Edwards are considered one of many biggest half-back partnerships in rugby historical past.
Both had roots in west Wales and had the choice of pursuing soccer careers earlier than settling with the oval ball.
Edwards continued to flourish after John’s retirement, however the lack of his half-back associate was lengthy lamented by followers globally.
John completed with 120 factors for Wales and the Lions in his 30 internationals, however was a rugby genius that amounted to a lot greater than information and figures.
John made his Wales debut in opposition to Australia in 1966
Tributes flowed within the wake of his passing. Welsh Rugby Union president Terry Cobner believes John might be the best Wales fly-half.
“To be topped ‘The King’ in New Zealand when each again row ahead in each the North and South Islands is making an attempt to take your head off is kind of some accolade,” mentioned Cobner, the previous Wales and Lions flanker.
“For me, he has obtained to be proper up there among the many biggest exterior halves who’ve ever performed the sport, most likely the best.
“He was a glider, quite than a sidestepper, who had a delicate change of tempo and course. Coming on prime of the recent deaths of Brian Price and JPR Williams, that is one other large blow for Welsh rugby.
“After what he did for Wales and the Lions in 1971, these of us who adopted him into each groups all the time felt we had large footwear to fill. He was and can stay a legend of our sport.”
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies additionally paid his respects.
“To be nicknamed ‘The King’, I believe that claims all of it, particularly in New Zealand,” mentioned Davies.
“I used to be very lucky, I met Barry once I was very young. I went to the identical college as Barry, clearly not on the similar time.
“He was a legend, from the day I walked into these college gates.
“He had a grace and a method about him and definitely left a mark on the sport.
“He was such a rugby mind, to take a seat with him over a espresso and have a chat, pearls of knowledge would come out.
“Even once I was enjoying I used to satisfy him and he would advise me on a couple of issues, it was nice to take a seat there and take heed to him.
“It’s very unhappy. He was only a nice participant and a stunning man.”
Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton mentioned John spanned the generations.
“In Wales, I am unable to specific how excessive a regard folks maintain that 70s group, and particularly, folks like Barry John, who was an absolute God of Welsh rugby,” mentioned Warburton.
“I heard the information in the present day and it fully shocks you.
“What he contributed to the sport, even now, 50 years later, nonetheless transcends rugby internationally and he hasn’t picked up a ball for 50 years.
“It’s simply sheer testomony to how a lot affect he had on the sport when he performed, however a large loss and really unhappy information.”
John’s previous groups commemorated considered one of their best gamers.
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