The Beginning
Barry John played his first test for Wales against Australia on 3 December 1966. In the late 60’s, Wales weren’t the fearsome team they were in the 1970’s and that didn’t help establish himself as a world class fly half. But it is during this time that he started playing with Gareth Edwards and they would go on to become one of the greatest half back pairings ever.
John’s strength was his ability to vary his game. He was a good tactical kicker, but it was his running game and that unmistakable swerve that was his claim to fame. His centers also flourished with him on his inside as he often created space for his outside backs.
His Prime and Retirement
He was selected for the British Lions tour of South Africa in 1968, but suffered a broken collar bone in the first test. In 1971 though, it was the Barry John show in New Zealand. John was instrumental in that famous series win and exhibited an all round game that couldn’t be matched by the All Blacks.
The next year, at the age of 27, Barry John retired from rugby while at the peak of his career. He was an unassuming man and just couldn’t deal with the fame that came with being a rugby star in a rugby mad country like Wales.
Barry John didn’t like the nickname “The King”, but that is exactly what he was.
