'The King' Barry John was rugby's first pop star before retiring at the age of 27
WELSH rugby has lost another legend with the death of Barry John, just four weeks after former teammate JPR Williams passed away.
John formed a celebrated halfback partnership with Gareth Edwards – they worked together for Cardiff, Wales and the Lions, and were key figures in the 1971 Grand Slam that launched Wales' 'Golden Era'.
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During their first training session together, Edwards asked his partner if he liked the ball delivered to his chest or at hip height.
John famously replied, “You throw it, I'll catch it.” That became his slogan.
The Wales Fly Half was nicknamed The King for the brilliance he showed in steering the 1971 Lions to their historic series victory in New Zealand.
He scored 30 of their 48 points and mesmerized defenders and spectators alike with his dazzling running skills.
But just a year later he retired from rugby at the age of 27, having won 25 Wales caps, 23 of them with Edwards.
John announced that he could not handle the fame and attention that came from being constantly in the spotlight, especially as rugby was still an amateur sport.
He later explained: 'I was the first rugby pop star, superstar, call it whatever you want. I came third in BBC Sports Personality behind Princess Ann and George Best, and a month later I became the first rugby player to be the subject of 'This is Your Life'.
“I came off the pitch against England at Twickenham and there's Eamonn Andrews with his big red book!
“I didn't want to retire, but those were the circumstances. People didn't understand how to go to work, how to be fit for rugby at international level.
“I became listless and tired. You can't be like that on the international stage, especially at number 10.”
A family statement released last night said: “Barry John died peacefully today at the University of Wales Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a loving Dadcu to his eleven grandchildren and a beloved brother.”
John was 79, and his death has reignited the debate over who was the greatest Welsh rugby player of all time: Barry or Gareth.
Edwards was named 'Player of the Century' in early 2000, but John also had his supporters – including JPR, who described him as: 'Without a doubt the best player I have played with.'
The loss of two Welsh greats so close together has plunged the game into mourning.
The Lions paid tribute to John on their official website, saying: “Truly one of the greatest. We are deeply saddened that the great Barry John has passed away at the age of 79.
“Barry inspired so many and will always be remembered for how much he gave to the sport.”
Cardiff, where he spent most of his club career after joining from Llanelli, also praised his contribution to the game.
Their statement read: “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Barry John. One of the best players to join the Blue and Black and what a partnership he shared with Sir Gareth. An absolute icon who will be greatly missed.”
And one of his successors in the Welsh number 10 shirt, Jonathan Davies, added another moving tribute.
He said: “RIP Barry, another one of my heroes who has sadly disappeared. It's very, very sad. I think being nicknamed 'The King' says it all, especially in New Zealand.
“I was very lucky, I met Barry when I was very young. I went to the same school as Barry, obviously not at the same time. He was a legend, from the day I walked through the school gates. He was just a great player and a nice guy.”
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