– Former Wales and British & Irish Lions flyhalf Phil Bennett has died aged 73, his former staff Scarlets introduced on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief for the one of many nation’s most beloved heroes within the sport.
Bennett guided Wales to 2 5 Nations Grand Slams within the Seventies and likewise performed a key function within the Lions’ tour of South Africa in 1974 when he scored essentially the most factors as they went unbeaten in 4 assessments.
Having performed 413 occasions for Llanelli RFC, the membership stated he was “one of many all-time legends of the sport and broadly considered the best participant to put on the Scarlets jersey”.
“A participant with stardust in his boots, he possessed a sidestep that may mesmerise defenders,” Scarlets stated in an announcement https://www.scarlets.wales/article/phil-bennett-1948-2022.
“His jinking run to spark ‘the best attempt ever scored’ for the Barbarians in opposition to New Zealand in Cardiff in 1973 will dwell lengthy in rugby folklore.
“He was capped for Wales on the age of 20, occurring to play 29 occasions for his nation throughout a golden period for Welsh rugby the place he was a part of an imperious facet that gained two 5 Nations Grand Slams and three Triple Crowns.”
Bennett was awarded an OBE in 1979 whereas World Rugby inducted him into their Corridor of Fame in 2005. He later turned a nicely revered commentator on radio and tv following his retirement.
A statue of Bennett was additionally unveiled in his dwelling village of Felinfoel in April.
“He was an icon of our sport, a rugby famous person, however somebody who all the time remembered his roots,” Scarlets govt chairman Simon Muderack stated.
“There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a participant revered throughout the rugby world, each throughout his profession and lengthy after he completed enjoying.”
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