'Great sadness': Rugby world mourns death of 'true legend' John Dawes

Tributes are pouring in across the rugby world after news of the death of John Dawes - the former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain regarded as a giant of the sport.

Dawes died at the age of 80 following a period of ill health.

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

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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.

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

His most successful year in the Test arena was also his final one as he announced his international retirement in 1971 having won the Grand Slam and been at the helm for a 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks.

Two years later he enjoyed more success against New Zealand as he led the Barbarians in their famous 23-11 win at Cardiff Arms Park.

Dawes became Wales coach in 1974 and he masterminded Grand Slam triumphs in 1976 and 1978.

The Welsh Rugby Union tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we learnt today of the passing of Wales, @lionsofficial, @newbridgerfc, @LondonWelshRFC and @Barbarian_FC legend John Dawes.”

A tweet from the Lions’ account read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lion #487 John Dawes.

“Captain of the Lions on the 1971 Tour, the only Lions side to win a series in New Zealand, Dawes made 19 appearances for the Lions. A true legend of the game, John will be sorely missed.”

Fellow Wales legend Sir Gareth Edwards described his former teammate as "one of the giant figures of Welsh rugby of any era".

“He wasn’t the fastest or most elusive player, but everyone around him benefited from his great skill and his distribution.

“You only have to look back at the 1971 Lions tour to see how Ireland’s Mike Gibson shone playing outside him in the centre.

“He was part of the great try-scoring move for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 (Edwards scored it) and I can still hear Cliff Morgan in commentary say, ‘Dawes, great dummy’. That moment encapsulated John as he helped to set up a score that has never been forgotten.

“John was always calmness personified on the field amid the chaos of international rugby. People don’t understand how valuable it is to have someone like that on your side, someone who can see the bigger picture and calm everyone down.

Tributes to Dawes flood social media

Dawes’ former club's Newbridge and London Welsh also paid tribute to the legendary player in touching statements.

“We are unfortunately having to report some very sad news. After a period of ill health, John Dawes sadly passed away this morning.

“Everyone associated with our game will be aware of John’s story and his great achievements within the game of rugby union.

“The heartfelt condolences of everyone here at Newbridge RFC go out to John’s family at this very sad time.”

Dawes death was felt across the rugby world as fans paid their respects to the Welsh great on social media.

with agencies

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