Gareth Edwards

Gareth Edwards is a Welsh former rugby union player, born on July 12, 1947, in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He is universally regarded as one of the greatest half-backs in the history of rugby. Edwards began his professional career with Cardiff RFC before moving to the Barbarians, where he scored the most famous try in rugby history.

Edwards is known for his incredible agility, strength, tactical acumen, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year, and holds multiple records, such as the youngest player to reach 50 caps.

Off the field, Edwards is also recognized for his contributions to sports broadcasting and his influence on the game of rugby.

Cardiff RFC

• Early Career: Edwards was born and raised in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and moved to Cardiff to join Cardiff RFC's youth academy. He made his first-team debut for Cardiff RFC in 1966.

Barbarians

• Iconic Try: Edwards played for the Barbarians in the famous 1973 match against New Zealand, where he scored what is often considered the greatest try in rugby history.

Rugby Union

• Later Career: After retiring from professional rugby, Edwards moved into broadcasting and has worked as a commentator and analyst for the BBC and S4C.

Wales National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Wales in 1967.

Achievements:

• Five Nations Championship: Winner in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, and 1978.
• Edwards is one of Wales' most capped players and has scored 20 tries for the national team.

• Position: Primarily a scrum-half, but also excelled as a fly-half.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional agility, strength, tactical intelligence, and try-scoring ability. Edwards is celebrated for his versatility, powerful passing, and tactical game management.

• Family: Edwards is married to Maureen Edwards. They have two children together.
• Post-Rugby Career: After retiring from professional rugby, Edwards moved into broadcasting and has worked as a commentator and analyst for the BBC and S4C.

• Gareth Edwards is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and influence on the game of rugby. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring generations of rugby players and fans around the world.

Youngest Player to Reach 50 Caps:

• At age 25

Most Tries in a Five Nations Championship Match:

• Scored 3 tries against Scotland in 1969

BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year:

• Winner in 1974

Inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 1997

Books

• Edwards, G. (1978) Gareth: The Autobiography of Gareth Edwards. London: Collins.
• Griffiths, J. (1987) The Phoenix Book of International Rugby Records. London: J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd.

Websites

• World Rugby: Information about Gareth Edwards’ international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.world.rugby
• Cardiff RFC: Details about Edwards’s career at Cardiff RFC. Available at: https://www.cardiffrfc.com
• Barbarians: Official site with updates on Edwards’s performance and records at Barbarians. Available at: https://www.barbarianfc.co.uk
• Rugby Union: Updates and records of Edwards in Rugby Union competitions. Available at: https://www.rugbyunion.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Gareth Edwards: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/48839800
• The Guardian: Gareth Edwards’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gareth-edwards

Interviews and Documentaries

• Gareth Edwards: Great Welsh Dragon (1996): This documentary provides a detailed look at Edwards’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• BBC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Gareth Edwards, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk