Wales and British & Irish Lions great Lewis Jones has passed away at the age of 92.
The dual-code international enjoyed huge success in union before making the switch to league at the age of just 21.
By that point, he had already won two Grand Slams with Wales, as well as starring for the Lions on their 1950 Tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Born in Gorseinon, like another future Wales and Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny, Jones began his club career with Neath.
While still just 18, Jones kicked a penalty and a conversion, as well as setting up a try, on his Test debut as Wales earned just their second-ever win at Twickenham in 1950.
He helped Wales to a first Grand Slam since 1911 that year, but initially missed out on selection for the Lions.
An injury to Ireland’s George Crawford saw Jones called up. After a four-day journey, he made his Lions debut just two days after landing, taking on a combined East Coast/Poverty Bay/Bay of Plenty side.
Over the course of the Tour, Jones played 12 times for the Lions including in three Tests – two against Australia and one against the All Blacks. Jones finished as the top-scorer for the Lions in the Tests.
RIP Lion #354, Lewis Jones, who has passed away at the age of 92 🕊️
Aged just 19, Lewis toured Australia & New Zealand with the Lions in 1950, scoring 112 points in 12 matches.
Our thoughts are with Lewis’ friends and family. pic.twitter.com/oFEbwcGK3I
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 5, 2024
He racked up 112 points in all, including a record 16 in a 19-6 win over the Wallabies in Brisbane.
Jones came back from that Tour and helped Wales to a second Grand Slam in 1952 before making a move to league where he played for Leeds.
He enjoyed a hugely successful career in the 13-man code, leading Leeds to their first Championship and becoming known as the Golden Boy at Headingley.
The thoughts of everyone at The British & Irish Lions are with Lewis’s family and friends.
