- Date of Birth02 / 06 / 1940
- Died24 / 04 / 2024
- Lions Tours1968
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsLewis School Pengam
- Lions Origin ClubsWelsh Academicals, Cornish Pirates, Barbarians, Cardiff Rugby, Crawshays, Newbridge
John O’Shea’s Test career lasted just 18 months but the period ended on a high with selection to the 1968 Tour of South Africa.
The tight-head prop had appeared five times for Wales before he became a Lion – and played a prominent role on the Tour.
Indeed the South Africans felt his might early on as he crowned his second appearance – against Rhodesia – with a try-double display.
O’Shea, then 28, was also picked for the first Test before losing his place to Tony Horton, but appeared eight times in total before the Lions travelled back.
He was educated at Lewis School, Pengam and was a classmate of 1971 captain John Dawes.