Gareth Edwards, a Welsh retired rugby union player renowned for his proficiency as a scrum-half, earned accolades as “arguably the greatest player ever to don a Welsh jersey,” according to the BBC.
In a 2003 poll conducted by Rugby World magazine among international rugby players, Edwards was hailed as the greatest player of all time. Former England captain Will Carling further affirmed this sentiment in 2007 when he ranked Edwards as the greatest player ever in his list of the ’50 Greatest Rugby players’ published in The Daily Telegraph.
Carling described Edwards as “a supreme athlete with supreme skills, the complete package,” asserting that even in the contemporary game, Edwards would excel, given his exceptional abilities in running, passing, kicking, and tactical acumen.
Edwards played a pivotal role in the Wales national team during the ’60s and ’70s, a period when Welsh rugby enjoyed prominence in European rugby circles. Among a select group of Welsh players to have secured three Grand Slams, Edwards’s achievements align him with the likes of Gerald Davies, JPR Williams, and Alun Wyn Jones, among others.
Recognized for his contributions to Welsh rugby, Edwards was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1975 Birthday Honours and later elevated to Commander (CBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for his dedication to sport, particularly rugby. In 2015, he was knighted for his services to sport and charitable endeavors.
Gareth Edwards Height and Weight
Gareth Edwards stands tall at 5 feet 7 inches (1.73 m). His weight is however unknown.
Beyond rugby, Edwards showcased his versatility by setting a British angling record in 1990 and served as patron for various charitable organizations, including The Richard Hunt Foundation and the Jaguar Academy of Sport.
His public stance against Scottish independence and his involvement in television programs like Gareth Edwards’s Great Welsh Adventure further highlight his multifaceted contributions beyond the rugby pitch.