Barry John was rugby’s first pop star and nicknamed The King before retiring aged just 27.. he is one of Wales’ greatest | 0412USC | 2024-02-07 02:08:01
Barry John was rugby's first pop star and nicknamed The King before retiring aged just 27.. he is one of Wales' greatest | 0412USC | 2024-02-07 02:08:01
John shaped a celebrated half back partnership with Gareth Edwards – they teamed up for Cardiff, Wales and the Lions, and have been
WELSH rugby has lost another legend with the dying of Barry John, simply four weeks after former team-mate JPR Williams handed away.
John shaped a celebrated half back partnership with Gareth Edwards – they teamed up for Cardiff, Wales and the Lions, and have been key figures in the 1971 Grand Slam that launched the Welsh 'Golden Period'.
At their first training session collectively, Edwards requested his associate whether or not he favored the ball delivered to his chest or waist high.
John famously replied: "You throw it, I'll catch it". That turned his catchphrase.
The Wales fly half was nicknamed The King for the brilliance he confirmed in steering the 1971 Lions to their historic collection victory in New Zealand.
He scored 30 of their 48 factors, and mesmerised defenders and spectators alike together with his dazzling operating expertise.
However only a yr later he retired from rugby at the age of 27, after profitable 25 Wales caps, 23 alongside Edwards.
John announced he couldn't cope with the fame and a spotlight that came from always being in the spotlight, especially as rugby was still an newbie sport.
He later defined: "I was the first rugby pop star, celebrity, call it no matter you need. I was third in BBC Sports activities Character behind Princess Ann and George Best, then a month later I used to be the first rugby participant to be the topic of 'This is Your Life'.
"I was coming off the pitch towards England at Twickenham and there's Eamonn Andrews together with his massive pink ebook!
"I didn't need to retire, nevertheless it was the circumstances. Individuals didn't understand the way you needed to go to work, the way you needed to be fit for international-level rugby.
"I used to be getting lethargic, tired. You'll be able to't be like that on the worldwide stage, especially at number 10."
A household statement launched final night time stated: "Barry John died peacefully at this time at the University Hospital of Wales, surrounded by his loving spouse and 4 youngsters. He was a loving Dadcu to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother."
John was 79, and his death has re-ignited the talk over who was the best Welsh rugby player of all time – Barry or Gareth.
Edwards was voted "Participant of the Century" firstly of 2000, but John also had his supporters – together with JPR, who described him as: "Doubtless, the greatest participant I played with."
The lack of two Welsh greats so quickly after each other has plunged the sport into mourning.
The Lions paid tribute to John on their official website, saying: "Really one of the biggest. We're massively saddened that the good Barry John has handed away on the age of 79.
"Barry impressed so many and can endlessly be remembered for a way a lot he gave to the game."
Cardiff, the place he spent most of his membership profession after switching from Llanelli, additionally hailed his contribution to the sport.
Their statement read: "We are completely devastated to study of the passing of Barry John. One of many biggest players to tug on the Blue and Black and what a partnership he shared with Sir Gareth. An absolute icon who might be dearly missed."
And one in every of his successors within the Welsh No 10 shirt, Jonathan Davies, added one other poignant tribute.
He stated: "RIP Barry, one other certainly one of my heroes sadly gone. It's very, very unhappy. To be nicknamed 'The King', I feel that claims it all, particularly in New Zealand,
"I used to be very lucky, I met Barry once I was very young. I went to the same faculty as Barry, clearly not on the similar time. He was a legend, from the day I walked into those faculty gates. He was just a nice participant, and a stunning man."
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