Wales rugby legend John Dawes dies aged 80

Dawes is the only man to have skippered a triumphant Lions tour of New Zealand, while he had the further distinction of both captaining and coaching Wales to Grand Slams.

He also led the Barbarians to their famous victory over the All Blacks in Cardiff in 1973, playing his part in Gareth Edwards’ legendary try.

Born in Abercarn in 1940, Dawes was educated at Lewis School Pengam and then later at Aberystwyth University and Loughborough College, gaining a degree in chemistry and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), going on to become a science teacher.

Having started out with Newbridge, it was at London Welsh that he really made his name, as a centre blessed with both power and superb passing ability.

The following year he took over the captaincy at Old Deer Park and also became club coach, going on to revolution the way the game was played, becoming a principle architect of “the Welsh way”.

Under his tutelage, London Welsh became one of the great club sides of the era, featuring the likes of JPR Williams, John Taylor and Mervyn Davies.

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