- Date of Birth21 / 06 / 1920
- Died18 / 07 / 2012
- Lions Tours1950
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsBrynteg CS
- Lions Origin ClubsCardiff Medicals, Welsh Academicals, Bridgend Ravens, Barbarians, Newport, Royal Air Force, Cardiff Rugby
The bludgeoning partner to ‘Prince of Centres’ Bleddyn Williams, Dr Jack Matthews was nicknamed "Iron Man" for his ferocious tackling.
Matthews scored six tries on the 1950 Tour, playing in all six Test matches including the two wins against Australia.
To call him a ‘talented’ sportsman does him little justice. He won the Welsh AAA junior 220 yards title, the Senior Men’s AAA 100 yards and once held Rocky Marciano – former heavyweight champion who retired unbeaten as a professional – to a draw in an amateur boxing bout.
As if this wasn’t enough for one man, Dr Jack was the Lions doctor when they toured South Africa in 1980 and went on to be an advisor to the Welsh area for the British Board of Boxing Control.
Huw Davies, who coached Matthews and Williams at Cardiff Medicals’ Rugby club, said: "We were obviously very proud to have Dr Jack as one of our own.
"He was a formidable presence right up until his late 80s, he was such a strong man, such a strong personality.
"Matthews and Williams were a great double act."
Matthews passed away in 2012 at the age of 92.