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Legendary Wales and British and Irish Lions captain and fly-half Phil Bennett has died on the age of 73.
Bennett was a key determine in Wales’ golden period, serving to them win two 5 Nations Grand Slams within the Nineteen Seventies.
He additionally starred within the Lions’ historic unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974 and produced moments of magic in his 20 appearances for the Barbarians.
He’s considered one of many biggest gamers to put on the fabled quantity 10 shirt for Wales and the Lions.
Of their assertion saying Bennett’s passing, Scarlets stated he was “one of many all-time legends of the sport and broadly considered the best participant to put on the Scarlets jersey”.
Bennett made eight Take a look at appearances for the Lions over two excursions, turning into solely the second Welshman to captain the Lions on their 1977 tour of New Zealand.
The Llanelli RFC nice gained 29 caps for Wales, retiring in model in 1978 by captaining his nation to a second Grand Slam in three years with victory over France in his ultimate recreation.
After retiring, Bennett turned an OBE in 1979 and was inducted to the World Rugby Corridor of Fame in 2005.
He was a preferred pundit for BBC Wales and all the time remained a loyal supporter of Felinfoel RFC, the novice membership of his dwelling village the place a statue of the native icon was unveiled in April.
Bennett’s former Scarlets captain and Wales and Lions team-mate Delme Thomas stated: “He was the most effective fly-half I’ve ever seen on a rugby area.”
Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack added: “We’re devastated by this information. Wherever the Scarlets journey world wide, individuals point out the title Phil Bennett.
“He was an icon of our sport, a rugby celebrity, however somebody who all the time remembered his roots. There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a participant revered throughout the rugby world, each throughout his profession and lengthy after he completed enjoying.
“Phil was a hero and pal to so many individuals, not solely in Llanelli and west Wales, however all through the sport and I’m positive loads of Scarlets supporters may have their very own explicit tales of the instances they met and chatted to ‘Benny’. He cherished the membership and epitomised the values we maintain true — humility and pleasure in our group.
“On behalf of everybody on the Scarlets, we ship our heartfelt condolences to Pat, Steven. James and all of Phil’s household and mates at this extremely unhappy time.”
Tributes to Bennett adopted from near dwelling and world wide whereas Scarlets Official Supporters Group tweeted: “For these wishing to pay their respects, flowers could be left on the ‘Stradey Gates’ on the most important entrance to Parc y Scarlets.”
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