Wales rugby legend Mervyn Davies dies aged 65

WELSH rugby legend Mervyn Davies has died aged 65, it was announced today.

The former London Welsh and Swansea number eight led his country to its 1976 Grand Slam triumph, as well as touring with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later, featuring in eight Tests.

Known throughout the rugby world as ‘Merv the Swerve’, he suffered a brain haemorrhage playing for Swansea against Pontypool in a Welsh Cup semi-final in 1976 that cut short his career.

A statement released by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) this morning said: “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.”

The WRU said Davies passed away following a long illness.

The current Wales team will be crowned RBS 6 Nations champions and Grand Slam winners if they beat France at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.