Glyndwr John (22 February 1932 — 7 June 1983) was a Welsh international rugby union player.

Glyn John
Full nameGlyndwr John
Date of birth(1932-02-22)22 February 1932
Place of birthNeath, Wales
Date of death7 June 1983(1983-06-07) (aged 51)
Place of deathPorthcawl, Wales
SchoolGarw Grammar School
UniversitySt Luke's College, Exeter
Occupation(s)School teacher
Rugby union career
Position(s) Utility back
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1954 Wales 2 (0)

Biography

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John hailed from Aberkenfig near Bridgend and attended Garw Grammar School.[1]

At the age of 17 in 1949, John signed with rugby league club Leigh Leopards for £400. He remained with Leigh for only one season, but the ramifications of turning professional made him ineligible to return to rugby union.[2]

John, utility back, was able to play some rugby union when he joined the Royal Air Force in 1950 and the following year was reinstated by Welsh Rugby Union, due to the fact he hadn't yet turned 18 at the time he joined Leigh. His signing fee was also returned to Leigh. He stints with several clubs including Aberavon and represented Devon while studying teaching at St Luke's College, Exeter.[3]

In the 1954 Five Nations, John was capped twice for Wales, debuting as a centre against England at Twickenham, with Bleddyn Williams out injured. His other cap came against France at Cardiff Arms Park, standing in for Cliff Morgan at outside-half.[4]

John was banned from rugby union again in 1957 after the world governing body passed a new law which meant that his exemption no longer applied.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Colourful Career". Western Mail. 15 January 1954.
  2. ^ "Ex-Welsh rugby star dies". South Wales Echo. 8 June 1983.
  3. ^ "Glyn John Reinstated By W.R.U." The Glamorgan Gazette. 12 January 1951.
  4. ^ a b "Glyn John ?Banned? From Welsh XV". Western Mail. 28 October 1957.
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