- Date of Birth06 / 01 / 1945
- Lions Tours1968, 1971
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin ClubsPontyberem, Barbarians, Llanelli, Cardiff Rugby, Cefneithin
When Barry John left the 1968 Tour of South Africa early due to a broken collar bone, nobody would have perceived the impact the outside-half would have three years later.
Alongside Gareth Edwards, John was one half of one of the most formidable duos in world rugby, but it was from the boot that the fly-half excelled himself most in the first Test in Dunedin.
Beyond just the two penalties he kicked, John excelled with his tactical striking to push All Black full-back Fergie McCormick all round the park – starting out an excellent campaign for John and the Lions alike.
He followed that up with one of the Lions’ more famous tries, dummying a drop-goal before ghosting through the All Blacks' defence and scoring under the posts in the third Test in Wellington.
He left New Zealand with 30 of the Lions' 48 points over the four Test matches, taking 194 points for the Tour altogether, the peak of John’s career after retiring aged just 27.
John also enjoyed a prolific career with Wales, winning the 1971 Five Nations as part of their 'golden age' in his 25 Tests.