Barry John
1966-1972
Born Cefneithin 6 January 1945.Played for Cefneithin, Pontyberem, Llanelli, Cardiff, Wales (25 matches 1966-72), British Lions (1968 to south Africa - one test; 1971 to Australia/New Zealand playing all four tests in New Zealand).
Barry John ghosted past defenders and on the 1971 Lions tour of New Zealand he was at his brilliant best. He became the main goalkicker and his quick placing and kicking was something hardly ever seen previously, scoring 188 points on tour from 17 appearances - still a Lions record.
Though a brilliant drop kicker, notching three in a game against his old club Llanelli (for whom his two brothers were playing), he was a deceptively fast runner. His try against England in 1969 at Cardiff was possibly one of the greatest ever scored by a Wales player, as he changed gear and never reached top as he left half the English side in his wake.
The Wales tour Down Under in 1969 and a broken collar bone in South Africa with the 1968 Lions were overcome, but though he scored fine tries, he made many more for team mates.
Barry sometimes likes to be called the uncle of the Quinnell boys, but to most he was 'King John'.
