ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Legendary Wales and British and Irish Lions captain has died

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Sunday Jun 12, 2022

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:

Related Articles

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All