Barry John, a fly-half in Welsh rugby union, who participated in the sport during the amateur era in the 1960s and early 1970s has passed away at the age of 79.
His rugby journey commenced as a schoolboy with Cefneithin RFC before transitioning to the first-class West Wales team, Llanelli RFC, in 1964. Get to know more about his death.
Barry John Cause of Death
The ex-Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half passed away peacefully in the hospital on Wednesday, February 4, 2024, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom at the age of 79, as confirmed by his family.
The family released a statement saying, “Barry John peacefully passed away today at the University Hospital of Wales, with his devoted wife and four children by his side. He was a cherished Dadcu to his 11 grandchildren and a beloved brother.”
Known as ‘The King’ by New Zealand journalists for his pivotal role in the Lions’ memorable 1971 Test series triumph over the All Blacks, John earned 25 caps for Wales from 1966 to 1972.
Additionally, he participated in five Lions Tests during their 1968 and 1971 tours before deciding to retire from rugby at the young age of 27.
John’s club rugby career unfolded with Llanelli, and later he joined Cardiff. In Cardiff, he formed a dynamic half-back partnership with Gareth Edwards, a combination that would go on to thrive both for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.