Considered the ‘first rugby superstar’, he played club rugby for Llanelli and Cardiff, as well as winning 25 international caps for Wales.
Barry John, the Welsh rugby legend, has died aged 79.
He died peacefully in hospital on Sunday.
A family statement read: “Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
“He was a loving Dadcu [grandfather] to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother.”
The rugby union fly-half won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns – while also playing five Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their 1968 and 1971 tours.
Nicknamed The King by New Zealand journalists after he inspired the Lions’ famous 1971 Test series victory over the All Blacks, John won 25 Wales caps between 1966 and 1972.
He played his club rugby for Llanelli and then Cardiff, where he struck up a half-back partnership with Gareth Edwards that went on to flourish for Wales and the Lions.
John was partnered by Edwards in 23 of his Wales international appearances, plus all five Lions Tests – one against South Africa and four against New Zealand.
He announced his shock retirement at the age of 27, citing pressures of fame and expectation.
Considered one of rugby’s first superstars, Edwards wrote in his autobiography that John “had this marvellous easiness in the mind, reducing problems to their simplest form, backing his own talent all the time.
“One success on the field bred another and soon he gave off a cool superiority which spread to others in the side.”
Another revered Wales and Lions colleague, Gerald Davies, said: “Whilst the hustle and bustle went on around him, he could divorce himself from it all.
“He kept his emotions in check and a careful rein on the surrounding action. The game would go according to his will and no one else’s.”
‘One of the greatest’
The rugby world paid tribute to John after news of his death was announced.
The British and Irish Lions said in a post on X that John was “truly one of the greatest”.
“Barry inspired so many and will forever be remembered for how much he gave to the sport. All our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Truly one of the greatest.
We are hugely saddened that the great Barry John has passed away at the age of 79.
Barry inspired so many and will forever be remembered for how much he gave to the sport.
All our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/wyI9ZL4FVu
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 4, 2024
Jonathan Davies, one of the most renowned Welsh players of the 1980s and 1990s, paid tribute to John, writing on X: “RIP Barry – another one of my heroes sadly gone. #BarryJohnTheKing.”
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/wales-and-british-and-irish-lions-legend-barry-john-dies-aged-79-13064259
