Leonard Grist Blyth (20 November 1920 – 24 June 1995)[1] was a Welsh international rugby union flanker who played club rugby for Swansea.[2] He captained Swansea and played in three international games for Wales which saw him become a Grand Slam winner.

Len Blyth
Birth nameLeonard Grist Blyth
Date of birth(1920-11-20)20 November 1920
Place of birthSwansea, Wales
Date of death24 June 1995(1995-06-24) (aged 74)
Place of deathJohannesburg, South Africa
SchoolDynevor School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Gorseinon RFC ()
Swansea RFC ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1951-1952 Wales 3 (0)

Rugby career

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Blyth was captain of Swansea during the 1951/52 season[3] and led his team against the touring South Africans on 15 December 1951.[citation needed] Seven days later, Blyth was awarded his first international cap when he was chosen as a flanker to face the South Africans for the Welsh national team. Wales were narrowly beaten and Blyth found himself selected for the opening game of the 1952 Five Nations Championship.[citation needed] Blyth played against England and Scotland before losing his position for the last two matches. Nevertheless, Wales won the tournament and Blyth became a Grand Slam winner.[citation needed] After the end of his international career, Blyth still played against international opposition, including Swansea's 6–6 draw against the 1953 touring New Zealand side.[citation needed]

International matches played

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Wales[4]

Bibliography

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  • Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3.

References

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  1. ^ "Len Blyth". ESPN Rugby. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Len Blyth". Swansea RFC. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Programme - Cardiff v Swansea 1951" (PDF). Cardiff Rugby Museum. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  4. ^ Smith (1980), p. 463.