Phil Bennett Death | Obituary – Former Welsh international rugby union fly-half from 1969 to 1978 Phil Bennett passed away,
Born in Felinfoel, Carmarthenshire, Bennett made his Wales debut on 22 March 1969 against France in Paris at the age of 20 when he became the first Welsh substitute in international rugby, replacing an injured Gerald Davies.[1] Initially, Bennett played in a number of positions including fullback and center but settled in the fly-half position in 1972. He succeeded the legendary Barry John in that position.
Bennett’s form meant that he joined the British Lions on their famous tour to South Africa in 1974, scoring 103 points. His 50-yard try against South Africa at Pretoria on that tour was a career highlight.
Even so, a place in the Wales side was not guaranteed. In 1975 he was dropped for Aberavon RFC’s John Bevan and only replaced an injured Bevan in the third game at the Murrayfield Test. He played a pivotal role in the final game of that season vs Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park, in a record 32-4 victory.
In 1976 Bevan picked up an injury and Bennett was recalled. Following the injury to the then Welsh captain Mervyn Davies, Bennett took over this role, which resulted in him becoming captain of the British Lions on the 1977 Tour. In August 1977 the British Lions made a stopover in Fiji on the way home from their tour of New Zealand. Fiji beat them 25–21 at Buckhurst Park, Suva. In 1977 Phil Bennett’s pre-game pep talk before facing England produced a memorable, anti-English.
Our deepest condolence to the family and friends of Phil Bennett, may his soul rest in peace.
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Very sad news. Phil was at every single game I can remember. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP. https://t.co/Rhat1tJZSP
— Jake Charles (@JakeyCharles) July 10, 2020