McFadyean was part of the Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 1966, playing in all four Test matches against the All Blacks and scoring one try.

McFadyean played most of his club career with Moseley, who he joined from Loughborough University in 1965.

England selectors flocked to the second city to catch a glimpse of the promising centre, and he quickly progressed into the national team.

McFadyean quickly became a household name and just a year after he joined Moseley, he was selected to Tour Australia and New Zealand. He was just 22.

“I had only played three England games and I knew the selectors were coming to our match against Scotland to finalise the selection. My game had improved so much at Moseley,” he said in a 2017 interview with Lionsrugby.com.

“I could not believe it really. It was a near-five month Tour and we played over 30 games. I did not get into the Test team in Australia but we won both Tests.

“In New Zealand it was totally different – mud and grime, wet weather – and we lost our first three games.

“I did play in all four Tests there and it was the time when New Zealand were on an incredible run. We were up against it.

“I was a centre but I played four Tests on the wing and in that final one I got a try, after inter-passing between myself and Mike Gibson.

“We did not celebrate tries in those days, we just ran back without showing off. I have got a video of it, and when I look at it I always think ‘how could I not celebrate! Scoring for the Lions is a once-in-a-lifetime event'."

McFadyean also won 11 caps for England and captained them twice. He scored four England tries, including two against Scotland.

In a statement, Moseley – now Birmingham Moseley – said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing today of former Moseley player Colin McFadyean. As well as playing for Moseley, Colin captained England and was a Lions player in 1966 on the 35-match tour to New Zealand.

“Our sincerest condolences to Colin’s family.”