Gareth Edwards was born in Pontardawein the Swansea valley near Port Talbot. The son of a coal miner, he began his rugby career at Millfield public school, going on to play for the Wales national rugby union team from 1967-1978. He won 53 caps for Wales, was Wales’ youngest ever captain (20 years old), played ten times for the British Lions, including the exemplary 1971 and 1974 teams. During his tenure with Wales, the team won the Five Nations Championship seven times, including three grand slams. His skill, speed, and strength were the stuff of legend, leading him to twenty tries in internationals, one of which was so memorable that it is often referred to as simply “that try”. Recorded in a 1973 game in which Edwards was playing for the Barbarians against the All Blacks, it has been replayed in highlights reels for over thirty years. Many rugby fans consider it the best play ever in the history of the game.
Of course opinions on these matters vary greatly, but expounding on the greatness of Gareth Edwards over a pint in a pub is an accepted, or even encouraged activity.
A statue in his honor now stands at the center of Cardiff in the St. David’s shopping complex.