- Llanelli great was star of Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 1971
- John retired at age of 27 having earned 25 international caps
The word genius is often overused in sport but in the case of Barry John it seems more than fitting. The Wales and Lions fly-half has died at the age of 79, a month after the passing of another Welsh legend, JPR Williams, and there is extra poignancy in that John’s departure came hours after one of the great Welsh comebacks in their 27-26 Six Nations defeat by Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday.
A statement released by John’s family on Sunday read: “Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a loving dadcu [grandfather] to his 11 grandchildren and a much loved brother.”
Written by Ian Malin
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/feb/04/barry-john-welsh-rugby-legend-and-british-and-irish-lions-great-dies-at-79 under the title “Barry John, rugby legend and ‘the King’ of Welsh fly-halves, dies aged 79”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
