Wales legend Phil Bennett passes away aged 73 - Ruck

Wales legend Phil Bennett passes away aged 73

Wales and Lions great Phil Bennett has passed away aged 73 after battling a long illness.

The news was announced by the Scarlets, for whom he played 413 games and scored 2,444 points over 15 seasons.

Bennett was a key figure in Wales’ golden era, helping them win two Five Nations Grand Slams in the 1970s.

He also starred in the Lions’ historic unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974 and produced moments of magic in his 20 appearances for the Barbarians.

The club said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of club legend, former captain and Scarlets President Phil Bennett.

“Phil passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening surrounded by his close family.’

“Our thoughts are with Phil’s wife Pat, sons Steven and James, family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

A global rugby icon, he was awarded the OBE in 1979 for his services to sport and inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame in 2005. He was named Scarlets President in 2011.

A sculpture was recently unveiled in Phil’s home village of Felinfoel to celebrate a man who gave so much to his local community.

TRIBUTES:

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