The try against the Barbarians in 1973 — Gareth Edwards's score, launched from inside the Welsh half after a sequence of passing beginning in his own 22, is considered the greatest try in rugby history and was voted so in a 2003 poll conducted by the Rugby World Cup. But Gareth Edwards's full career deserved the description in its own right: the most complete scrum-half Wales has produced, 53 caps for his country and the motor of an outstanding Lions series victory in South Africa in 1974. His combination of power, speed and passing quality set the standard for the position across the following five decades.
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.
Scoring what is widely considered the greatest try in rugby history for the Barbarians against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973.
His try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973 — involving seven players and the length of the pitch — is considered by universal agreement the greatest try ever scored.
Did You Know?How They Played
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.
Lasting Impact
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.
Career Honours
- Grand Slam 3x
- Triple Crown 5x
- 53 consecutive Wales caps
- Barbarians try vs All Blacks 1973
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff RFC | 1966–1978 | 195 |
 Wales | — | 53 |