RIP Dai Watkins

Everyone at Wales Rugby League was sad to hear about the passing of David Watkins MBE, one of our greatest ever players. He was aged 81. Dai, as he was affectionately known as, is recognised as one of the greatest Welshmen to have ever pulled on a rugby shirt. He became Wales’ 28th captain in …

RIP Bob Fleay

We were sorry to learn about the recent death of former Welsh Rugby League international squad member Bob Fleay. Injury meant that Bob didn’t ever play a full international for us but did play in trial and friendly matches in 1975. He played rugby union for Baglan youth and went on to win Welsh International …

RIP David Willicombe

We’re sad to report that former Wales Rugby League international David Willicombe has died aged 72 after a short illness. The youngest member of Wales’ 1975 Rugby League World Championship side, where he starred in the famous “Battle of Brisbane” match where Wales beat England 12-7. This was just one of his 13 Welsh caps, …

RIP Mel James

We’re sad to report that Wales international Mel James has died aged 74. Described by his home club Resolven RFC as “their most decorated son”, Mel won 11 Welsh caps, making his debut against England in the 1975 World Championship. It was his only game in that tournament as injury had kept him out of …

RIP Bobby Wanbon

Everyone at Wales Rugby League were sad to learn of the death of former Wales World Cup player Bobby Wanbon, aged 78, whilst he was on holiday in Tenerife. Bobby won eight rugby league caps for Wales, with his most famous moment being part of the side that beat England in the infamous “Battle of …

RIP Glyn Shaw

Everyone at Wales Rugby League is saddened to hear about the death of former Wales Rugby League men’s international player Glyn Shaw, aged 71. Heritage #306, Glyn won seven caps for Wales, making his debut against France in 1978, and one cap for Great Britain, playing against New Zealand in 1980. Born on April 11, …

RIP Glyn Moses

Wales Rugby League were sad to hear about the death of our former international player Glyn Moses, aged 93. Born as Arthur Glyndwr Moses, he pulled on the Welsh shirt three times, the first against British Empire in the 1951 Festival of Britain international, then appearances against France in a full international in 1953, and …

RIP Roger Owen

The former Wales Rugby League international Roger Owen has died aged 67 in his home town of Llanelli. Wales heritage number 326, Owen won two caps, both in 1981, coming off the bench against France and England. A former pupil of Llanelli Secondary Modern School, he played for Wales Youth RU, before signing for Llanelli …

RIP Chris Greenhall

Wales Rugby League were sad to hear about the death of former Wales Students international Chris Greenhall on Monday, aged 51 after a very short battle with cancer. Brought up in rugby union in his native Norfolk, he played for North Walsham RFC and represented Eastern Counties before discovering rugby league when moving to Cardiff …

RIP Greg Ashcroft

The Welsh rugby league player and coach Greg Ashcroft has sadly died aged 69 following a 15-month battle with a rare form of cancer. He became famous in 1973, when as a 22-year old, he played for Dewsbury, alongside future Sky Sports pundit Mike Stephenson, as they won the RFL Championship Final (the equivalent to …