John Dawes

Early life and education Dawes was born in Chapel of Ease, part of Abercarn, near Newbridge, on 29 June 1940. His father was a colliery blacksmith. He was educated at Lewis School Pengam, and later at University College of Wales, Aberystwyth where he earned a degree in chemistry.

He later achieved a PGCE at Loughborough College whilst continuing to play rugby for Newbridge.

By 1964 he had moved to London in support of his wife's ambitions as an opera singer. He worked as a chemistry teacher in Hounslow. as "one of the most brilliant exhibitions of club football it has been my privilege to see", and by journalist Terry O'Connor as "the finest display by a club team I can remember", further describing London Welsh "switching attacks with speed and handling skill".

International Dawes won his first cap for Wales against Ireland in 1964, and scored an interpassing try at pace. He went on to make 22 appearances for Wales,

British Lions and Barbarians In 1971, Dawes was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions side for the tour to New Zealand. This side, coached by Carwyn James, became the first and so far the only Lions team to win a series in New Zealand. He was honoured as the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year at the end of that year.

Rugby coaching career Dawes acted as a coach, as well as captain, at London Welsh during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Dawes also coached the 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand, but was unable to repeat the success of 1971. Ian McGeechan has said of this tour "perhaps John, a natural player and leader in his time, was just not so good at putting things across," but others have pointed out that the 1977 Lions nearly drew the series, and that subsequent Lions tours to New Zealand fared much worse.

Personal life Dawes met his wife Janette Morris at university. The marriage ended in the 1980s.

Dawes lived in Llandaff, Cardiff with his partner, Jill Mathias, for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed walking holidays and socialising with old friends.

Dawes died on 16 April 2021 at age 80, of pneumonia. He had been ill for some time, and in hospital since the previous September.