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He was known simply as ‘The King’.
Barry John is recognised as the first rugby union superstar and one of the sport’s greatest players.
John played a key role in Wales’ 1971 Five Nations Grand Slam and inspired the British and Irish Lions to what is still their only New Zealand tour series win in the same year.
His impact on the sport could never be understated as an imperious fly-half whose seemingly-effortless ability to beat defenders often defied logic and gained him worldwide admiration.
He was a mesmeric runner, a brilliant kicker, a player who could do things nobody else seemed capable of.
This mercurial talent retired when he was only 27 years-old, likening the pressure of carrying the hopes of a rugby-obsessed nation to “living in a goldfish bowl”.
After retiring, he stayed in rugby as a respected columnist and broadcaster.
Rising star
Born in Cefneithin, a village in…
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