Wales and British & Irish Lions prop John O’Shea has passed away at the age of 83 after a long battle with cancer.
O’Shea went to school at Lewis Boys School, Pengam, alongside Lions great John Dawes, before going onto play club rugby for Cardiff.
He won five caps for Wales between 1967 and 1968, earning selection for the Lions on the 1968 Tour of South Africa.
O’Shea played eight matches on that Tour, including starting the first Test against the Springboks.
He played for Cardiff from 1963-70, making 213 appearances for the team and scoring 19 tries, while he captained the side in his final season.
A club statement said: “A great character, John was a very popular and respected member of the club where he made many life-long friends, and he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.”
The thoughts of everyone at The British & Irish Lions are with John’s family and friends.
