Barry John, Legendary Fly-Half, Dies at 79

Barry John, the Welsh fly-half, is remembered for his crucial influence as part of the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, where they claimed a 2-1 series win. Known as 'The King,' John was noted for his wizardry and an imperious fly-half, leading to comparisons with footballing genius George Best. The mining son from Carmarthenshire enjoyed a spectacular career for Llanelli, Cardiff, Wales, the Lions, and Barbarians. His impact on the sport could never be understated, as he was known for his ability to beat defenders effortlessly, a trait that gained him worldwide admiration. John's famed half-back partner, Sir Gareth Edwards, praised John's marvellous easiness in the mind, reducing problems to their simplest form, and backing his own talent all the time. Another revered Wales and Lions colleague, Gerald Davies, noted how John could divorce himself from the hustle and bustle around him, keeping his emotions in check, and having the game go according to his will and no one else's.