In a sport where brawn and muscle
are often too greatly prized, this diminutive west walian wizard
had the ability to turn rugby matches into a breathtaking,
choreographed art form. Never phased by the occasion and always
the personification
of composure his graceful flowing running style mesmerized
defenses the world over. Known in some circles as ‘The
Red Phantom’ and others ‘The King’, John
hailed from Cefneithin, heart of the Carmarthenshire hotbed
of
Welsh number 10s. He attended Gwendraeth Grammar School
and then Trinity College, Carmarthen.
Before he prematurely
abdicated at the ripe age of 26, John played 25 times for
Wales and scored 90 points. He was arguably the star performer
on
his second British Lions tour (to Australia and New Zealand)
baffling the home support - so used to hard, grafting, runners
- with his breaks and confounding opponents by his range
and accuracy of kicking skills that bagged him 188 points in
18
games. |
