Tributes to ‘giant’ of rugby

Sir Gareth Edwards has described John Dawes as one of Welsh rugby’s “giant figures”.

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Dawes has died at the age of 80 following a period of ill health.

He famously led the Lions to their only series victory over New Zealand in 1971, making four Test appearances for the tourists and winning 22 caps for Wales.

As a 23-year-old centre, he made a try-scoring international debut against Ireland in Dublin in 1964 and his storied career included captaining and coaching his country to Grand Slam titles.

Edwards told the Welsh Rugby Union’s official website that Dawes was “one of the giant figures of Welsh rugby of any era”.

Dawes, who played for London Welsh as well as Newbridge, was a central figure in Wales’ glory years in the 1970s.

He announced his international retirement in 1971.

RUGBY GREAT: John Dawes helped Wales and the Lions to memorable successes.