Former Wales captain Mervyn Davies has died at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.
Former Wales captain loses battle with cancer
Former Wales captain Mervyn Davies has died at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.
'Merv the Swerve', as he was known throughout the game, led Wales to the 1976 Five Nations Grand Slam.
The No.8 - so distinctive with his moustache and white headband - won 38 caps for Wales and went on two victorious Lions tours in 1971 and 1974.
He was expected to be named captain of the 1977 Lions but his career finished the year before after he suffered a brain haemorrhage playing for Swansea in a Welsh Cup semi-final against Pontypool.
A statement released by the WRU on Friday read: "The Welsh Rugby Union is saddened to learn of the death of Mervyn Davies who deservedly earned a worldwide reputation as one of the greats of the modern game.
"Flags at the Millennium Stadium are flying at half-mast from today in
honour.
"A minute's silence will be held in tribute to Davies at all Wales international games across the weekend.
"Everyone involved in the game in Wales offers their condolences to the family and friends of a true giant of the game who was known universally as 'Merv The Swerve'."
Courage
WRU president Dennis Gethin added: "We have lost a great player, a wonderful ambassador for the game and a true gentlemen.
"I played against Mervyn many times and knew just how good he was but I also grew to appreciate him as a true friend. In later life he also became an accomplished after dinner speaker so his loss will be felt in many ways by so many people."
WRU chairman David Pickering hailed a man who "epitomised the values of Welsh rugby".
He continued: "He was a giant of the game both on and off the field for London Welsh, Swansea, Wales, the Barbarians and the British and Irish Lions. He bore his illness with courage and his memory will undoubtedly live on within our game for all time."
WRU Group chief executive Roger Lewis added: "We have lost a true great of our game with the sad death of Mervyn Davies. He was a giant in all senses.
"His loss will be felt across the rugby world because of the huge impact he had as an icon of the game. He stood out in one of our great Welsh teams but remained a modest and gentle man off the field of play throughout his life. He was a modest, gentle but straight talking man.
"Mervyn also played a prominent role in Welsh international rugby's former players association so his love of the game remained undiminished throughout his life.
"He truly earned his place in the Hall of Fame and it is right and fitting that this weekend his memory will be honoured by everyone involved in Welsh rugby.
"I want to send our condolences to all his family and friends because Mervyn Davies was a true great."
