Tributes have been pouring in for Welsh “rugby legend in every sense” Phil Bennett, who has died after a long illness at the age of 73.
His death was announced by his former club Scarlets, saying he was surrounded by his family.
Often known as “Benny”, he played 413 times for Llanelli RFC from making his debut as an 18-year-old to his final appearance in 1981. He also captained the side for six years.
He also played 29 times for his country between 1969 and 1978, and was part of the teams that won two Five Nations Grand Slams (beating every other team in the tournament) and three Triple Crowns (beating all the home nations).
A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union called Bennett a “Welsh Rugby legend in every sense and a true gentleman”, adding it was “such sad news” to hear of his death.
Scarlets added he was a “player with stardust in his boots, he possessed a sidestep that would mesmerise defenders – his jinking run to spark ‘the greatest try ever scored’ for the Barbarians against New Zealand in Cardiff in 1973 will live long in rugby folklore”.
“Our deepest condolences to Phil’s wife Pat, their family and his many, many friends. Rest in peace Benny,” the club added.
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As well as being widely seen as one of the best players to ever slip on the red shirt for Wales, he also played fly-half for the British & Irish Lions during their unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974.
The Lions won 21 of their 22 matches, including a 3-0 Test series victory over the hosts (one game was drawn), and later became known as The Invincibles – with Bennett scoring 103 points during the tour.
He wore the captain’s armband three years later for the tour to New Zealand, scoring 125 points, with the squad losing the Test series 3-1 to the hosts.
He also turned out 20 times for the Barbarians, who called Bennett “a true rugby legend & an iconic figure in our history”, while former Wales and Lions teammate Delme Thomas called him the “best fly-half I have ever seen on a rugby field”.
‘A wonderful man, humble & funny’
Sir Bill Beaumont, English rugby talisman and chairman of World Rugby, also paid tribute, saying: “Desperately sad to hear of Phil Bennett’s passing. One of the greats of Welsh & Lions rugby.
“Many a wonderful memory of touring with him in 77. Lovely person. Condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Former Ireland star Brian O’Driscoll added his tributes, writing on Twitter that Bennett was “a wonderful man, humble & funny who could play a bit”, while England former player and now commentator Brian Moore called Bennett “a true legend of rugby and a humble and generous man”.
Current Wales international Richard Hibbard added on Twitter: “Lost a true Welsh great, rest in peace Phil. Team in the sky got one hell of a player.”
Simon Muderack, the executive chairman of Scarlets (the club which Llanelli feeds into), wrote: “Wherever the Scarlets travel around the world, people mention the name Phil Bennett.
“He was an icon of our sport, a rugby superstar, but someone who always remembered his roots. There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a player respected across the rugby world, both during his career and long after he finished playing.
“He loved the club and epitomised the values we hold true – humility and pride in our community.”
