Wales Rugby Great Barry John Cause of Death and Obituary, What Happened to Barry John? How did Barry John Die? Who was Barry John?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Feb 05, 2024
Wales Rugby Great Barry John Cause of Death
The legendary Wales rugby figure, Barry John, passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by his family. The exact cause of Barry John's death has not been disclosed.
The former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half peacefully left this world in a hospital setting, surrounded by the presence of his devoted wife and four children. Barry John's significant contributions to Welsh rugby, particularly as a skilled fly-half, have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Barry John, fondly known as "The King," transitioned away from life in the University Hospital of Wales. His family, in a heartfelt statement, expressed that he was not only a beloved father but also a cherished "Dadcu" to his 11 grandchildren, embodying a rich legacy.
The news of Barry John's passing reverberates through the rugby community, as fans and fellow players remember him not only for his on-field prowess but also for the warmth and love he shared with his family and the sport he dedicated his life to.
Who is Barry John?
Barry John, a distinguished Welsh rugby union fly-half, left an indelible mark on the sport during the amateur era in the 1960s and early 1970s. Beginning his rugby journey with Cefneithin RFC as a schoolboy, John later joined the first-class west Wales team Llanelli RFC in 1964. His prowess on the field earned him a spot in the Wales national team, where he replaced David Watkins against a touring Australian team in 1967.
Moving to Cardiff RFC in the same year, Barry John formed a legendary partnership with Gareth Edwards, becoming one of the world's most famous half-back pairings in rugby history. Together, they played for Cardiff, Wales, the Barbarians, and the British Lions, notably during the 1968 tour of South Africa.
Despite a premature end to the tour due to a broken collarbone, John's career reached its pinnacle in 1971, winning the Five Nations Championship and contributing significantly to the British Lions' victorious tour over New Zealand.
Barry John's impact extended beyond national and Lions representation, earning 25 caps for Wales and five for the British Lions. Known for his exceptional balance, precise kicking, and stellar performances, he retired at the age of 27 as Wales' highest points scorer. His decision to step away from rugby was influenced by the pressure of fame and the weight of expectations that accompanied his illustrious career.
Specifications
Details
Name
Barry John
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
6 January 1945
Place of Birth
Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Date of Death
4 February 2024
Place of Death
Cardiff, Wales
Age at Death
79
Height
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight
11 st 11 lb (165 lb; 75 kg)
School
Gwendraeth Grammar School
University
Trinity College, Carmarthen
Spouse
Janet
Children
4
Barry John Career
Barry John, born on January 6, 1945, in Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, Wales, was a rugby union fly-half who left an enduring legacy in the sport during the amateur era of the 1960s and early 1970s. Educated at Gwendraeth Grammar School, he initially showcased his natural rugby talent at the local village team, Cefneithin RFC.
Despite not representing Wales at the schoolboy level, Barry's skills caught attention, and he made his debut for the top-flight team Llanelli at the age of 19 in 1964. His remarkable debut included scoring a try and converting it, setting the stage for a promising career.
Joining Cardiff RFC in the 1967/68 season, Barry John formed a legendary partnership with Gareth Edwards, marking the beginning of one of the most celebrated half-back pairings in rugby history. Their inaugural international pairing, however, had a modest start in 1967 against New Zealand.
Despite initial challenges, John's switch to Cardiff proved pivotal, and he became an integral part of the team. In the subsequent years, he played a crucial role in Wales' triumphs, contributing significantly to the 1971 Five Nations Championship win and the Grand Slam victory over France, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's greats.
Barry John's international journey extended to the British Lions, earning accolades during the 1971 tour of New Zealand. Nicknamed "The King" by the New Zealand press, he played a pivotal role in the Lions' series victory, scoring a record 191 points across the tour.
Despite achieving remarkable success, Barry John shocked the rugby world by retiring at the age of 27 in 1972, citing media attention and overwhelming expectations as factors. His career, comprising 25 caps for Wales and five for the British Lions, showcased his scoring prowess, playmaking skills, and tactical brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Welsh and international rugby.
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Barry John Early Life
Barry John's early life was shaped by his education and aspirations beyond the rugby field. Initially attending Cefneithin Primary, he faced an academic setback when he did not pass his eleven-plus exam. After spending a year at Cross Hands senior centre, he successfully passed the entrance exam and gained admission to Gwendraeth Grammar School in Drefach.
Upon completing his studies at Gwendraeth Grammar School at the age of eighteen, Barry embarked on the journey to realize his ambition of becoming a teacher. He secured a place at Trinity College, Carmarthen, where he focused on physical education, junior science, and horticulture. Subsequently, in the summer of 1967, he left Trinity College and commenced a teaching position at Monkton House School in Cardiff, a private institution for boys aged eight to sixteen. During this time, Barry resided in Cardiff alongside fellow rugby players, including his former Llanelli teammate Gerald Davies.
The turning point in Barry John's professional life came in 1968 when he toured South Africa, prompting him to leave his teaching post at Monkton House. Although he briefly contemplated a potential switch to professional rugby league, he returned to Cefneithin after the tour. Experiencing a period of unemployment for six weeks, Barry pondered his future in the sport.
Notably, his life took a different trajectory after an interview with David Coleman on the BBC program Sportsnight, during which his jobless situation was discussed. This led to an offer from Forward Trust, a finance company in Cardiff. However, Barry John's connection with teaching and finance was short-lived, as he left both his teaching position and finance role when he retired from playing rugby in 1972.
Post-retirement, he ventured into sports journalism, signing a contract to write a weekly column and cover significant matches for the Daily Express. Additionally, he became part of sports programs presented by HTV, the Wales and West of England commercial television company. Barry John's early life showcased a dynamic journey that intertwined his educational pursuits, teaching career, and eventual transition into sports journalism following his illustrious rugby playing days.
Barry John Family Background
Barry John, the esteemed Welsh rugby union fly-half, was born into a close-knit family at Low-land, a smallholding in Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Born on January 6, 1945, he was the second child of William and Vimy John. Delville, his elder brother by three years, shared the family's love for rugby and even captained the local club, Cefneithin, for two seasons.
Alan, another brother, progressed to play for the prominent Llanelli club and toured Argentina with the Welsh national team. Clive, the third brother, earned recognition as a Llanelli wing forward and received a selection for the Wales 'B' team.
The John family, which also included siblings Madora and Diane, shared a deep connection with rugby, evident in the active involvement of Barry's brothers in the sport. While Delville and Alan showcased their talents at higher levels, Clive's selection for Wales 'B' underscored the family's collective passion for rugby. Barry's upbringing was rooted in this rugby-centric environment, fostering a love for the sport that would later propel him to greatness on the international stage.
Despite briefly relocating to Foelgastell, the John family returned to Cefneithin when Barry was two years old, solidifying their ties to the community. The familial bond and shared affinity for rugby played a crucial role in shaping Barry John's early life, providing a foundation for the remarkable sporting career that would follow.
Barry John Wife and Children
In September 1969, Barry John entered into matrimony with Janet Talfan Davies, the daughter of Alun Talfan Davies QC, a prominent Welsh lawyer. The union between Barry and Jan resulted in the joyous addition of four children to their family: Kathryn, Lucy, Anna, and David.
As of 2016, the John family had expanded further with the arrival of eleven grandchildren: Emily, Rebecca, Sam, Tom, Ben, Anna, Edward, Will, Gwen, Ella, and Charlotte.
Despite a separation from his wife at a certain point in time, it is noted that at the moment of Barry John's passing, he found solace and companionship with his loving wife and four children.
This familial support was a poignant and comforting presence during his final moments, underscoring the enduring connections and bonds that family holds throughout the course of one's life.
Barry John's legacy extends beyond his contributions to rugby, encompassing the warmth and richness of his family life, which continued to be a source of love and comfort until the end.
Barry John Net Worth
Barry John Net Worth is $5 million. His primary source of income during his rugby-playing career came from his professional engagements as a player. As a renowned fly-half for both the Wales national team and the British and Irish Lions, John's exceptional skills on the field earned him recognition and financial compensation.
During this period, players often had to balance their rugby commitments with other professions, reflecting the amateur nature of the sport at the time. John briefly worked as a physical education teacher at Monkton House School in Cardiff, showcasing his dedication to both rugby and education.
Following his retirement from playing in 1972, Barry John transitioned to a career in sports journalism. He signed a contract with the Daily Express to write a weekly column and cover important rugby matches.
This marked a significant shift in his source of income, as he leveraged his deep understanding of the game and his status as a rugby legend to contribute to sports journalism. Additionally, he became part of sports programs presented by HTV, further diversifying his earnings and solidifying his post-retirement career in the media industry.
Barry John Obituary
In the realm of rugby, Barry John was not merely a player; he was a maestro, a legend whose artistry on the field left an indelible mark on the sport. His untimely departure at the age of 79 leaves a void in the rugby world that cannot be easily filled. Barry John was more than a fly-half; he was a virtuoso, a magician orchestrating plays with unparalleled finesse.
His legacy extends beyond the try-lines and scoreboards; it resonates in the hearts of fans who witnessed his brilliance. Barry John's contribution to Welsh and British and Irish Lions rugby was not just about victories; it was about the grace, skill, and sheer joy he brought to the game.
As we bid farewell to this iconic figure, let us remember him not just for the titles he won, but for the poetry he added to the beautiful game of rugby. Barry John, the maestro, may have left the earthly field, but his symphony of skill and sportsmanship will echo through the annals of rugby history.
What Happened to Barry John? How did Barry John Die?
Welsh rugby legend Barry John passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by his family. The specific cause of Barry John's death has not been disclosed. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half peacefully departed while in hospital.
A family statement expressed that Barry John died surrounded by his loving wife and four children, emphasizing his role as a cherished father and grandfather to 11 grandchildren.
The rugby community mourns the loss of a sporting icon known for his exceptional contributions to the game, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of fans and family alike
Wales Rugby Great Barry John Cause of Death - FAQs
The cause of death for Barry John has not been disclosed by his family. The announcement simply stated that he passed away peacefully in the hospital.
Barry John died peacefully at the University Hospital of Wales. The specific details regarding the circumstances leading to his death have not been revealed.
Barry John, the legendary Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half, passed away at the age of 79. His family confirmed his death but did not provide specific details about the events leading to his demise.
The family has chosen not to disclose further details about Barry John's death, respecting their privacy during this difficult time. The focus is on honoring his memory and legacy in the rugby community.
Barry John was a Welsh rugby great and a distinguished fly-half who played during the amateur era of the sport in the 1960s and early 1970s. Renowned for his exceptional skills, he contributed significantly to the Wales national team and the British and Irish Lions. His legacy extends beyond the field, making him a revered figure in the history of rugby.