Phil Bennett, Wales and Lions legend, dies aged 73

Welsh rugby is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players following the death of Phil Bennett, the former Scarlets, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half.

Bennett passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening surrounded by his close family. He was 73.

Admired across the world for his remarkable sidestep and affectionately known as 'Benny', Bennett was a central part of Wales' dominant period of success during the 1970s, making his debut at the age of 20 and going on to win two Grand Slams and 29 caps for his country. His motivational speech ahead of a Five Nations game against England in 1977 has gone down in history.

"Look what these bastards have done to Wales. They've taken our coal, our water, our steel. They buy our homes and live in them for a fortnight every year. What have they given us? Absolutely nothing. We've been exploited, controlled and punished by the English – and that's who you are playing this afternoon."

With the Lions, Bennett was a pivotal part of the 'Invincibles' squad in South Africa in 1974, scoring a superb try in the second Test after collecting Fergus Slattery's pass and breaking clear from within his own half. Bennett would go on to captain the Lions on the 1977 tour of New Zealand three years later.

Willie John McBride, the great Lions captain from 1974, said of Bennett: “He was to rugby what Botham was to cricket, Cruyff to football and Nastase to tennis. He had a certain magic, an undefinable quality. He had the audacity to attempt the unusual and to lift spectators out of their seats.”

Bennett played his part too in 'the greatest try of all time' scored by the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973, collecting the ball in his own 22 and producing a couple of astonishing sidesteps which rooted defenders to the ground to start the move which led to Gareth Edwards' famous try.

While all of Wales loved Bennett it was in Llanelli where he was adored the most. Regarded as the greatest player to ever wear the jersey, he played 413 times for Llanelli RFC, captaining the side over six seasons and scoring 131 tries and 2,535 points overall, while also being part of the Llanelli side who famously defeated the All Blacks in 1972. He was later named Scarlets President in 2011, and in April this year attended the unveiling of a statue dedicated to him in his home village of Felinfoel.

Bennett was awarded an OBE in 1979 and also inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame in 2005. Following his retirement in 1981, Bennett worked as a radio and television commentator with BBC Wales and newspaper columnist for the South Wales Evening Post and Daily Mirror.

As revered as he was for his playing ability on the field, his warmth and generosity off it touched many in Llanelli and beyond.

Commenting on Bennett's passing, the Welsh Rugby Union said: "Such sad news from Llanelli this evening with the passing of Phil Bennett, a Welsh rugby legend in every sense and true gentleman. Our deepest condolences to Phil's wife Pat, their family and his many, many friends. Rest in peace Benny."

Scarlets Executive Chairman Simon Muderack said: “As a club, region and community, we are devastated by this news. Wherever the Scarlets travel around the world, people mention the name Phil Bennett.

“He was an icon of our sport, a rugby superstar, but someone who always remembered his roots. There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a player respected across the rugby world, both during his career and long after he finished playing.

“Phil was a hero and friend to so many people, not only in Llanelli and West Wales, but throughout the game and I am sure a lot of Scarlets supporters will have their own particular stories of the times they met and chatted to ‘Benny’. He loved the club and epitomised the values we hold true — humility and pride in our community.

“On behalf of everyone at the Scarlets, we send our heartfelt condolences to Pat, Steven. James and all of Phil’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”