Ken Jones, who won six Test caps for the British & Irish Lions across two Tours, has passed away at the age of 81.
Centre Jones made his Wales debut in 1962 against England at Twickenham and just three international games later was called up for the Lions Tour to South Africa in 1966 at the age of 21.
Jones made a try-scoring debut as the first Test against the Springboks finished in a 3-3 draw at Ellis Park.
He featured in the second and third Tests which the Lions lost and stayed on in South Africa to play for Paarl.
Jones, known for his elusive side-step, was selected for the 1966 Tour to Australia and New Zealand and scored two tries in the 31-0 victory over the Wallabies in the second Test.
⚫⚪🏴 D. Ken Jones ⚫⚪🏴
Wales and the British & Irish Lions. pic.twitter.com/9mV0vpsiLl— Clwb Rygbi Y Tymbl (@TumbleRFC) May 12, 2021
The Lions won the series 2-0 before Jones won his sixth and final cap in the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin which the tourists lost 20-3.
Jones, who scored five tries in 14 caps for Wales, played for Llanelli from 1960 to 1965 before moving to Cardiff RFC where he made over 100 appearances.
He also featured for the Barbarians and became an Oxford Blue with his last match fittingly coming against Oxford at Cardiff Arms Park in December 1970.
Cardiff Rugby Life President Peter Thomas said: “I was fortunate to play with Ken during the 1960s. He was a brilliant player and more importantly a wonderful, delightful man. He was great company and a lot of fun.
“As a Test Lion, who scored a crucial first Test try on the 1962 Tour of South Africa and with more than 100 appearances for Cardiff, he has to go down as one of our great players.
“He will be missed by everyone that knew him and our thoughts go to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
