John Dawes at 80, the Welsh legend who’s had a rugby life like no other...
AS he celebrated his 80th birthday this week, John Dawes was able to look back on a rugby life like no other.
He remains wholly unique as the only man to have skippered a triumphant Lions tour of New Zealand.
He also holds the distinction of having both captained and coached Wales to Grand Slams.
Then there’s the little matter of leading the Barbarians to victory over the All Blacks in THAT match and playing his part in THAT try.
When the birthday boy spoke to me from his home in Cardiff, his overriding emotion was just how fortunate he’s been in terms of what rugby has given him.
“You think back on it now, the people you have met, the people you played with, the people you travelled with, it was a real experience,” he said.
“The friendships rugby brings you are so important. Sometimes you take it for granted, but then you realise that they are your mates.
“It was such a pleasure and a privilege to be able to play with the people I did.
“It was a real experience. When you think of the talent of those players, I have been very lucky. The people I played with are all special.
“You just enjoyed it and you just wanted to carry on playing.”
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.
He made his Wales debut, aged 23, against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in March 1964, marking the occasion with a try.
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 principal architect of “the Welsh way”.
His philosophy was based around doing the basics well and using the ball, moving it at pace, a style underpinned by a high level of fitness.
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.
Dawes – known throughout the game as Syd – first captained Wales in 1968, doing so six times in all, with his great success coming in 1971 as he led them to the Grand Slam.
Then came his appointment as skipper for that summer’s tour of
New Zealand, which was to bring a historic 2-1 series victory.
“You didn’t realise at the time just how big a thing we were achieving, not at all,” he reflects.
“The memory of it all is one of great pleasure and luck of being in the right place at the right time and playing with a great bunch of boys of all nationalities.
“You live with these boys, you travel with these boys and it was just a thrill.
“Everyone was part of it, there were no superstars.
“Playing under Carwyn James, who was a gentleman, top class, it was such an experience.
“It was his belief in how we should play the game, but also how he treated people.”
That triumphant tour was the perfect note for Dawes to bow out of Test rugby after 26 caps – 22 for Wales and four with the Lions.
But he was to return to the international arena in January 1973 to captain the Barbarians to that famous 23-11 victory over New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park, taking a key hand in Gareth Edwards’ legendary try.
The following year, he became coach of Wales, a post he held until 1979, with the team winning the Five Nations Championship four times in five seasons, including two Grand Slams.
“That was a very special period in my life. It was most enjoyable and a privilege, something I really valued,” he says.
He holds the proud record of never having lost to England as either player or coach.
Dawes, who was made an OBE in 1972, also coached the 1977 Lions tour to New Zealand and is honorary president of his beloved London Welsh.
In 2006, he was named the greatest-ever Welsh coach and inducted into the Welsh rugby international players Hall of Fame.
Four years later, a tribute dinner for him in Llandovery was attended by his HRH The Prince of Wales, while, in 2016, he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
He’s a father of two and grandfather of five, with both his son Michael and grandson Rhodri, a current team member, having played for London Welsh.
Today, John lives in Llandaff with his partner Jill Mathias and is able to look back with great fondness on his rugby life.
“I have been very lucky, not only have I played a lot of games, I’ve done a lot of travelling, met a lot of people and all in all it’s been fantastic,” he said.
“Rugby gives you opportunities that other walks of life don’t.
“I have been lucky when you consider where I’ve been, what I’ve done, who I’ve met and who we won against. All those memories are special.
“Mind you, it feels a long time ago now!
“So, yes, another birthday. Quite a big one. There we are.”