John Dawes

Sydney John Dawes ( born June 29, 1940 in Abercarn, Caerphilly, Wales ) is a former Welsh rugby union player and coach. He is currently President of the London Welsh, for which he was already active as a player. He is considered one of the best players of his time and led the British and Irish Lions in 1971 as a captain to date only series win against New Zealand.

Dawes was in 1964 made ​​his debut for the Welsh national team against Ireland. The following year he won with Wales for the first time the Five Nations. It was followed by three more wins in this traditional tournament. 1969 won the Welsh Triple Crown in 1971 did the Grand Slam. In addition to the tournament victory in 1966.

After Dawes Wales had led in 1971 as captain of the Grand Slam, he was also determined to captain the Lions on their tour to New Zealand. The former team of the Lions is one of the best of all time and was besides Dawes from many Welsh stars like Gareth Edwards, Barry John and JPR Williams. Ultimately, it succeeded for the first time to win a series against New Zealand. His last international match played Dawes in the fourth and final game of the tour, which ended in a draw. 1973 Dawes returned in the jersey of the Barbarians and was part of the legendary game against the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park.

After end of his career he was appointed Welsh national coach and led the team in the successful Rugbyära in Wales. 1975 Wales won again the Five Nations in 1976 and 1978, the Grand Slam and the 1979 Triple Crown. In 1977, Dawes as coach the Lions back to New Zealand. A renewed success against the All Blacks, however, was granted to him.