Barry John, Welsh rugby legend and British and Irish Lions great, dies at 79

Wales rugby great Barry John has died at the age of 79. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half died peacefully in hospital, his family have announced.

John, who was nicknamed The King by New Zealand journalists after he inspired the Lions’ famous 1971 Test series victory over the All Blacks, won 25 Wales caps between 1966 and 1972, claiming three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns during his stint on the international stage.

A statement released by John’s family read: “Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a loving dad to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother.”

Born in the village of Cefneithin to William and Vimy John, he was one of six children. All three of his brothers – Delville, Alan and Clive – played rugby.

John began his career at Llanelli, making a first team debut against Moseley two days before his 19th birthday in 1964. Two years later, he was capped by Wales and in 1967 he moved to Cardiff, where a partnership with Sir Gareth Edwards quickly began to flourish.

Lions tours followed in 1968 and 1971, with that latter trip remaining the only time New Zealand have suffered a Test series loss to the Lions.

John scored 30 of the Lions’ 48 points across four Tests, and the flickering black and white television pictures showcased him in all his glory as a player who, like Manchester United star Best, often performed as though from a different planet.

Adulation naturally accompanied him – he was third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year behind winner Princess Anne and runner-up Best – and took part in the corporation’s ‘Superstars’ programme alongside fellow household names such as Bobby Moore, Jackie Stewart, Joe Bugner and Tony Jacklin.

Then, 25 caps into his Wales career and after playing five Tests for the Lions, John called it a day at the age of 27, making his announcement when he was the sport’s biggest name.

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. Another star of Welsh rugby’s golden era, full-back JPR Williams, died four weeks ago.

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”.

John, who lived in Cardiff, is survived by his wife Janet and children Kathryn, Lucy, Anna and David.

More to follow …