ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Sunday Jun 12, 2022

Legendary Wales and British and Irish Lions captain has died

One of the greatest ever to pull on a red shirt, Phil Bennett has sadly passed away at the age of  73 at his home on Sunday evening.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bennett was a key figure in the dazzling Welsh side of the 1970s, helping them to 2 Five Nations Grand Slams. It was in his final match for Wales in 1978 that he captained the side to victory over France, in what would give them the clean sweep in that year’s tournament.

The brilliant fly-half turned out 29 times for his national side, 8 times for the British and Irish Lions, and an incredible 20 times for the Barbarians.

It was while playing for the Barbarians that Bennett’s name became synonymous with ‘that try’ in 1973. Bennett started off what has become known as the single greatest try of all time. With footwork that would misdirect even the most organised of defences, and the vision to fling the ball out wide, it was Bennett’s initiative that ended up allowing Gareth Edwards to fly over in the corner at the other end in a moment that is still talked about almost 50 years later.

Following on from his playing days Bennett received an OBE from the Queen in 1979. From then he became a very well-respected pundit for BBC Wales, and in 2005 was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

Only recently in April 2022, Bennett was honoured with a statue at his beloved local amateur rugby club, Felinfoel RFC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tributes have come out thick and fast for the legendary fly-half, Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack had the following to say:

“We are devastated by this news. Wherever the Scarlets travel around the world, people mention the name Phil Bennett.

“He was an icon of our sport, a rugby superstar, but someone who always remembered his roots. There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a player respected across the rugby world, both during his career and long after he finished playing.

“Phil was a hero and friend to so many people, not only in Llanelli and west Wales, but throughout the game and I am sure a lot of Scarlets supporters will have their own particular stories of the times they met and chatted to ‘Benny’. He loved the club and epitomised the values we hold true — humility and pride in our community.

“On behalf of everyone at the Scarlets, we send our heartfelt condolences to Pat, Steven. James and all of Phil’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

ADVERTISEMENT

A true gentleman of the game, he will always be remembered. Here are some touching tributes from the rugby world:

Comments




Related Articles

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 1 DAY AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Stuart Barnes advises RFU to take on board Cipriani’s teachings

View All