Barry John, the rugby great who played 25 games for Wales and inspired the British and Irish Lions’ famous series victory over the All Blacks in 1971 before retiring at the age of 27, has died. He was 79.
John’s family announced his death today in a statement released to British media, saying he died peacefully in the hospital.
Known for his wizardry at flyhalf and regarded by some as rugby’s first superstar, John made his debut for Wales in 1966 and soon struck up a partnership in the national team with scrumhalf Gareth Edwards that flourished for his country and for the Lions.
John was partnered by Edwards in 23 of his international appearances for Wales, plus all five of his test matches for the Lions — one against South Africa in 1968 and four against New Zealand in ‘71 when the touring team won the series 2-1 against the All Blacks.
During that New Zealand tour, local journalists gave John the nickname “The King.”
