Wales and British & Irish Lions great Brian Price has passed away at the age of 86.
The second row captained Wales, winning 32 caps for his country, while he toured with the Lions and played four Tests against Australia and New Zealand in 1966.
Price played briefly for Cross Keys before spending most of his club career at Newport, quickly earning a first Wales cap in 1961.
He captained his club side to victory over the All Blacks in 1963 and later captained Wales, including in the 1969 Five Nations when they claimed the Triple Crown and the Championship.
Price was selected as part of the 1966 Lions squad under skipper Mike Campbell-Lamerton, playing 19 matches in all on the Tour.
That included both Test victories over Australia, as well as two Tests against the All Blacks.
His club, Newport RFC, paid tribute to one of their all-time greats.
A statement read: “We are extremely saddened to hear that Brian Price, one of the greatest players to have worn the Black & Amber jersey, has passed away.
“A native of Deri near Bargoed, Brian joined Newport in 1960 and made 252 appearances in Black & Amber. His finest hour in the jersey came in 1963 when he captained Newport to the famous victory against the All Blacks before a packed house at Rodney Parade.
“Having played 32 times for Wales and captained the national team to their Triple Crown wins in 1965 and 1969, Brian also played in four Tests for the British & Irish Lions on their 1966 tour. He later become one of the first inductees into our Hall of Fame in 2013. We send our sincere condolences to Brian’s family, friends and everyone privileged enough to have known him.”
We are extremely saddened to hear that Brian Price, one of the greatest players to have worn the Black & Amber jersey, has passed away. pic.twitter.com/CrWrMmmRFK
— Newport RFC (@NewportRFC) December 18, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at The British & Irish Lions are with Brian’s family and friends.
