Phil Bennett OBE
1969-1978
Born Felinfoel 24 October 1948.
Played for Felinfoel Youth, Llanelli, wales (29 matches from 1969-78), British Lions (1974 to South Africa - 4 tests; 1977 as captain to New Zealand - 4 tests).
Phil followed Barry John to partner Gareth Edwards in a Golden Era of Welsh Rugby. After appearing as wing, centre and full back he gained fly half when Barry retired, playing in the unbeaten Lions tour to South Africa and scoring a brilliant try as well several clever drop goals in the tests.
He toured New Zealand as a skipper and went within seconds of sharing the series as well as being top scorer on the tour, also skippering Wales and scoring two tries in his final appearance against France in 1978.
He led Llanelli from 1973-79 and was a hero of the club's win over New Zealand in 1973.
He was awarded the OBE in 1978 being a sports development officer for Camarthenshire County Council and is proud to be president of Felinfoel RFC.
Among his great tries was a brilliant effort against Scotland in Murrayfield and he started the famous 'Edwards' try as the Barbarians defeated the All Blacks.
In 412 games for llanelli he scored 2,532 points.
