Gareth Edwards

Gareth Edwards is widely regarded as the greatest rugby union player of all time, a scrum-half who starred for Wales and the Lions through the 1970s golden era.

Gareth Edwards was born on 12 July 1947 in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Wales, and is widely regarded as the greatest rugby union player of all time. A scrum-half of extraordinary pace, vision and physicality, he won 53 consecutive caps for Wales between 1967 and 1978 without ever being dropped, captaining the side and helping deliver three Grand Slams and five Triple Crowns during the golden era of Welsh rugby. His try for the Barbarians against the 1973 All Blacks — finished with a full-length dive after a length-of-the-field move — is still routinely voted the greatest try ever scored, and remains one of the sport's most replayed moments. Edwards toured with the British and Irish Lions three times, including the victorious 1971 series in New Zealand and the dominant 1974 series in South Africa, and was never on a losing Lions Test side in South Africa. He retired in 1978 as the most capped Welsh player of his era and was later knighted for his services to rugby.

Edwards possessed exceptional pace, strength and handling skills that revolutionized the scrum-half position. He was renowned for his long, accurate passing from the base of scrums and rucks, as well as his ability to break from the pack and score spectacular individual tries. His athletic build and speed made him as dangerous with ball in hand as any back.

Edwards is universally acclaimed as the greatest rugby player ever, having been voted as such by Rugby World magazine in 2003. His influence extended beyond playing, helping to elevate Welsh rugby to its golden era and inspiring generations of future players.

• 1971 & 1974 Lions series winner
• Wales Grand Slams (1971, 1976, 1978)
• Triple Crowns
• iconic Barbarians try v New Zealand 1973

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps
Cardiff RFC	1966–1978	195
Wales	—	53