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 youth RU caps. He played senior rugby union with Aberavon and Crawshays and turned professional with Swinton in 1971, this after being refused by Wigan. Bob was the club’s leading try scorer in both 1972/73 and 1973/74, and he played in every single game between 25th August 1972 and 22nd August 1976, an all time club record of 149 consecutive games. In total he played for Swinton 211 times, scoring an impressive 88 tries. At representative level he won a cap for Other Nationalities at County Championship level in 1974.

Bob played his last game for the Lions in October 1976, but his popularity at Station Road was unique. Bob revisited his beloved Lions in August 2022 when he was presented with his Heritage Certificate and at the same time met up with other Swinton Welsh internationals, namely Dick Evans and current Lions’ skipper Rhodri Lloyd.

He returned to South Wales in the early 80s and played for Cardiff Blue Dragons, playing 84 matches and scoring 23 tries. He took up a job as a prison officer in Cardiff Prison, where his wife was also employed. He eventually retired in Spain but died in Florida in May 2023 when on holiday.

Everyone at Wales Rugby League send their condolences to all of his friends and family.

Bob’s Funeral will be held at Cardiff and Glamorgan Memorial’s Park and Crematorium. Port Road East, Barry, CF62 9PX on the July 11 at 1pm