Cefneithin born John who won 25 caps for Wales, stared for both Llanelli and Cardiff in his career and was the top scorer of the great British and Irish Lions side that triumphed 2-1 against New Zealand in 1971.
John was one of the great players in rugby union history, famed for his skills as one of the first true superstars during the sport’s amateur era.
John made his debut when Wales beat Australia 14-11 in Cardiff in December 1966 where he would be best remembered for his half-back partnership with Gareth Edwards – an affiliation that had been central to Wales’ 1971 Grand Slam triumph, their first since 1952.
Affection known as John ‘the king’, the proud Welshman won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and a two Triple crowns in trophy laden career that ended prematurely at the age of 27.
John continued to be part of rugby after retirement and enjoyed jobs in journalism. He was a rugby correspondent at the Daily Express, a columnist with Wales on Sunday and Wales Online and co-commentator on BBC Radio Five Live.
Tributes have started to pour in for the great with former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies paying his respects on social media platform X commenting ‘another one of my heroes is gone’ whilst BBC Broadcaster Jason Mohammad thanked John for the memories.
John is the second Welsh 1970s legend who has died this year following the passing of full-back JPR Williams in January.
A family statement read:
“Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
“He was a loving Dadcu [grandfather] to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother.”
[Lead image PA Media]
