Terence John Cobner (born 10 January 1946)[2] is a former Welsh international rugby union player and British Lion. After his rugby playing career, Cobner became director of rugby for Wales' WRU in 1996, and President of the WRU as of 2023. He was born in Blaenavon, Monmouthshire and lives in Pontypool.

Terry Cobner
Birth nameTerence John Cobner
Date of birth (1946-01-10) 10 January 1946 (age 78)
Place of birthBlaenavon, Wales
SchoolWest Monmouth School
UniversityMadeley College, Staffordshire
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Blaenavon RFC
Pontypool RFC
Walsall RFC
Barbarian F.C.
Gwent
Staffordshire
()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1974-1978
1977
Wales
British & Irish Lions
19
3
(8)
(0)
Terry Cobner
WRU Director (head) of Rugby
In office
1996–2004
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byJoe Lydon (rugby)[1]
President of the Welsh Rugby Union
Assumed office
2023
Preceded byGerald Davies
Personal details
NationalityWelsh
ProfessionSchoolmaster

Welsh international and British Lion

edit

A back row forward, or flanker, he scored a try on his debut against Scotland in 1974 at the age of 28, and went on to gain a total of 19 caps for Wales and score a total of two tries, the second coming against France in 1975. Cobner also captained Wales against Australia in his final appearances in 1978. He toured with the British Lions in 1977 to New Zealand where he played in three of the four tests, and virtually took over as captain of the tour from Phil Bennett in its latter stages.

Pontypool captain for ten years

edit

He played his club rugby for Pontypool RFC from 1968 till 1981 and was captain of the side for 10 consecutive seasons from 1970 to 1979.[3]

WRU President

edit

Cobner came out of an almost 20 year retirement and was appointed the position of Welsh Rugby Union President as of October 2023, he replaced Gerald Davies as the 51st president. He previously held the position of Wales' WRU first ever director of rugby between 1996-2004 before retiring early.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Lydon named WRU's rugby overseer". bbc.co.uk. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  2. ^ Terry Cobner player profile Scrum.com
  3. ^ a b "Three new Board members appointed". wru.wales. 28 October 2023.