Former Wales captain Davies dies
Wales’ 1976 Grand Slam captain Mervyn Davies has died, the Welsh Rugby Union said today. He was 65.
The former London Welsh and Swansea number eight won 38 caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later, featuring in eight Tests.
Known throughout the rugby world as ’Merv the Swerve’, he suffered a brain haemorrhage playing for Swansea against Pontypool in a Welsh Cup semi-final in 1976 that cut short his career.
A statement released by the WRU this morning said: “The Welsh Rugby Union is saddened to learn of the death of Mervyn Davies who deservedly earned a worldwide reputation as one of the greats of the modern game.
“Flags at the Millennium Stadium are flying at half-mast from today in honour.”
The WRU said Davies passed away following a long illness.
The current Wales team will be crowned RBS 6 Nations champions and Grand Slam winners if they beat France at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.
