Sad news that Barry has passed on at the age of 79. He was the first rugby superstar and earned himself the legendary title, "The King". That was bestowed upon him by the hard-bitten All Blacks rugby team of New Zealand and they knew a thing or two about the sport. He earned it during a British Lions tour over there when they were the first ever team to win a series against the ABs.
That team was coached by the equally legendary Carwyn James and, strangely, both came from the little village of Cefneithin where I live. I often used to go the rugby club to watch big matches (rugby and football) on the large screens they have and the walls are adorned with pictures and paintings of them both. Barry (and Gareth Edwards for that matter) was a gifted ball player and could have been a professional footballer, as could Gareth. But both preferred the oval ball.
Barry was good friends with the late, great George Best and they were often found in each others company as kindred spirits. And I can attest to the footballing ability of Barry and Gareth as I saw them play in a charity game at the Vetch many years ago. Believe me, they could play. When I lived in Spain I rented out my house here to a guy who was good mates with Barry and he frequently stayed at the place. But unfortunately I never met Barry in person.
Anyway, rest in peace, King Barry, there'll be a heck of a rugby team up there now with JPR, JJ, John Dawes and Merv "The Swerve" Davies et al. Thanks for the wonderful memories and the pride I felt when watching you play. You truly were a one-off. And condolences to family and friends.
PS: Cliff Morgan another rugby legend often told this tale with a smile. He once passed a rugby ground announcing the next fixture which had a ticket admission charge of £2. In brackets after that it said, If Barry John plays £10
Yes, he WAS that good!
That team was coached by the equally legendary Carwyn James and, strangely, both came from the little village of Cefneithin where I live. I often used to go the rugby club to watch big matches (rugby and football) on the large screens they have and the walls are adorned with pictures and paintings of them both. Barry (and Gareth Edwards for that matter) was a gifted ball player and could have been a professional footballer, as could Gareth. But both preferred the oval ball.
Barry was good friends with the late, great George Best and they were often found in each others company as kindred spirits. And I can attest to the footballing ability of Barry and Gareth as I saw them play in a charity game at the Vetch many years ago. Believe me, they could play. When I lived in Spain I rented out my house here to a guy who was good mates with Barry and he frequently stayed at the place. But unfortunately I never met Barry in person.
Anyway, rest in peace, King Barry, there'll be a heck of a rugby team up there now with JPR, JJ, John Dawes and Merv "The Swerve" Davies et al. Thanks for the wonderful memories and the pride I felt when watching you play. You truly were a one-off. And condolences to family and friends.
PS: Cliff Morgan another rugby legend often told this tale with a smile. He once passed a rugby ground announcing the next fixture which had a ticket admission charge of £2. In brackets after that it said, If Barry John plays £10
Yes, he WAS that good!