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WRU tributes to Gravell
Wales rugby mourns the death of legend
Last updated: 1st November 2007
Gravell: Wales legend
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Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis has described Ray Gravell as "a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales" after the legend died of a suspected heart attack aged 56.
Gravell, who played in the centres for Llanelli, Wales and British and Irish Lions, had been on holiday with his family in Mallorca.
He had been part of the Wales Grand Slam winning teams in 1976 and 1978, while he was part of the Scarlets side which famously toppled New Zealand in 1972.
Gravell, who had his right leg amputated below the knee following complications linked with his diabetes in August, was due to hand out the Wales jerseys to the squad ahead of the Test against South Africa on November 24.
Shock
And Lewis said: "We are all in total shock because Ray was so full of life even through the difficult health problems he suffered recently.
"He was a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales and a great example of how the game can bring out the best in a man.
"As a player, he always gave a huge amount of respect to his opponents but never gave an inch of ground to anyone he faced on the field of play.
"It is a measure of the man that he forged rugby friendships which lasted long after his playing days up until the present day.
"Most recently, he stayed close to rugby as a broadcaster and was always in the tunnel to greet the teams with a handshake and a hug before and after big games.
"It is typical of the man that he became part of the tradition of our game and he was delighted when we asked him to present the jerseys to the Welsh players in the changing rooms before Wales play South Africa at the Millennium Stadium later in November."
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Comments (8)
Dave Salmon says...
As a fellow Celt, I remember watching Ray during the 1970s on a black and white television on a Saturday afternoon "Grandstand", punching holes in the opposition's three-quarter line, before off-loading to fellow centre Steve Fenwick in the 5 Nations Championship. A great player, who will most certainly go down in the Welsh rugby's Hall of Fame.
Posted 19:39 4th November 2007
Lloyd Rees says...
I remember Ray Gravelle playing against my team Neath, he shouted to us that even the toilet rolls are black here. If every one in the world was as kind, loving and thoughtfull as Ray this sad world would be a better place to live LLoyd Rees
Posted 22:07 1st November 2007
Mike Powell says...
The sun has 'set' early in the sky over Llanelli today.We have seen the passing of one of the 'iconic figures' of Welsh rugby'. This is praise indeed from a 'Swansea Jack'.Our two clubs have been fierce rivals over the years, but at moments like these, all rivalries disappear, and the rugby fraternity the world over salute GRAV for the indellible mark he has left behind on the world of rugby...as a rugby player for the'Turks' ,Wales and the British Lions.....a broadcaster extraordinaire in Welsh and English, equally at home in interviewing from the humble to the exalted. The world of sport is poorer for his passing today, but richer in memory of a true great. I hope the Scarlets name their new ground or a stand in his memory....may he rest in peace.....
Posted 21:23 1st November 2007
Alex Lewis says...
This great sport has lost one of it's finest sons. A truly great player, ambassador and above all, human being. His love of the Scarlets and Wales were evident throught his career, and he always reported (either in English or Welsh) with knowledge, passion and unbounded enthusiasm. Wales and the Rugby world are poorer for the loss of Grav. Cofion cynes. Alex
Posted 13:15 1st November 2007
Vaughan Williams says...
A very very sad day, Ray was the best example of a true Welshman with everything that we hold proud. A passion for his Country, fierce commitment on the field of play and a gentleman off it. You did us proud Gav but Wales is a poorer place with your passing. Our prayers and thoughts of support are with Mari, Mannon, Gwennan and his family.
Posted 12:18 1st November 2007
Dave Raybould says...
As a very proud Englishman, I love beating the Welsh at any sport but in particular Rugby. That said, Ray Gravell was a legend - a great player, a great commentator, a font of knowledge on Rugby and above all a truly humble and great man. His death is a huge loss for Wales, the Sport of Rugby and more importantly to the loved ones he leaves behind. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Posted 09:25 1st November 2007
Richard Griffiths says...
Shocked and sadden by the news, I found out this morning whilst driving to work, the long commute has never felt so depressing. It¿ll be national day of mourning. My heart goes out to his family. I know it often gets said that words like great, immense & legend get used all to easily these days, but in this case I think they all are appropriate. In fact if there is a higher level or a thin little strata above these words to describe someone, that is reserved for the very VERY best of people then I¿m sure Ray would be grouped in that most elite of categories¿to coin a rugby phrase ¿His name would be the first on the team sheet¿. Diolch am popeth Ray.
Posted 09:00 1st November 2007
Tom wales Wales says...
Ray Gravelle you were a legend RIP
Posted 07:59 1st November 2007