SPORT-WALES HOME  -  RUGBY RELICS HOME  -   WORLD RUGBY MUSEUM

 

 
"Inclusion in the Roll of Honour is for those people who, by their achievement and by their example and conduct, in and beyond the sporting arena, have brought distinction to themselves and credit to Wales.''
  
   
 The Welsh Sports Hall of Fame was the brainchild of GV Wynne-Jones, the former Cardiff rugby player and legendary BBC Radio commentator. Efforts were first made to launch it in 1972, but it wasn't until 1981 that the first exhibition at the National Sports Centre, Cardiff was finally opened by Olympic gold medallists Lynn Davies and Richard Meade.

Lord Brookes of Tremorfa eventually took over as chairman from the late 'Geevers' and, under his guidance, the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame showcases were sited at the new South Glamorgan County Council headquarters at Atlantic Wharf.

In 1989, the exclusive Roll of Honour was established and rugby league legend Billy Boston, who was one of the initial 10 members, launched it in January of that year. Each year new members are installed and have their names etched in gold on a special slate plaque that is one of the focal points of the permanent exhibition.

In September 1994, the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame had grown by such a significant degree that it had to be relocated and found its new home of St Fagan's. near Cardiff.  The WSHOF are very grateful to the National Museum of Wales for allowing them to house their exhibition at their Museum of Welsh Life.

 

Welsh Sports Hall of Fame Roll of Honour

 

1990

Billy Boston (Rugby League),  David Broome (Equestrian),  Lynn Davies (Athletics),  Jim Driscoll (Boxing),  Ken Jones (Rugby Union),  Sir Harry Llewellyn (Equestrian),  Billy Meredith (Soccer),  Sheila Morrow (Hockey),  Jack Peterson (Boxing),  Kirsty Wade (Athletics)

 

1991

Jack Anthony (Equestrian),  Cliff Jones (Rugby Union),  Cliff Morgan (Rugby Union),  Dai Rees (Golf)

 

1992

Gerald Davies (Rugby Union),  Tanni Grey (Disabled Athlete),  George Latham (Soccer),  Ray Reardon (Snooker),  Irene Steer (Swimming),  Jim Sullivan (Rugby League),  Eddie Thomas (Boxing),  Jimmy Wilde (Boxing)

 

1993

John Charles (Soccer),  Paulo Radmilovic (Water Polo)

 

1994

Valerie Latham (Swimming),  Maurice Turnball (Cricket),  Freddy Welsh (Boxing),  JPR Williams (Rugby Union)

 

1995

Jim Alford (Athletics),  Ivor Allchurch (Soccer),  Hugh Edwards (Rowing),  Fulke Walwyn (Equestrian)

 

1996

Janet Ackland (Bowls),  Richard Meade (Equestrian),  Howard Winstone (Boxing)

 

1997

Tommy Farr (Boxing),  Trevor Ford (Soccer),  Chris Hallam (Disabled Athlete),  Fred Keenor (Soccer),  Bleddyn Williams (Rugby Union)

 

1998

JC Clay (Cricket),  John Disley (Athletics),  Gareth Edwards (Rugby Union),  Cliff Jones (Soccer),  Lewis Jones (Rugby Union/League),  Geoff Lewis (Equestrian),  Jimmy Michael (Cycling),  Jimmy Murphy (Soccer),  Vicki Thomas (Golf),  Freddy Williams (Speedway)

 

1999

Horace Blew (Soccer),  Ann Ellis (Hockey),  Carwyn James (Rugby Union),  Barry John (Rugby Union),  Collin Jones (Boxing)

 

2000

Sir Charles Evans (Mountaineering),  Teresa John (Disabled Athlete),  Jonathan Jones (Powerboating),  Gus Risman (Rugby League), Dick Rees (Equestrian),  David Watkins (Rugby Union/League)

 

2001

Ronnie Burgess (Soccer),  Mervyn Davies (Rugby Union),  Nancy and Roy Evans (Table Tennis), Ian Rush (Soccer), David Winters (Disabled Athlete),  Martyn Woodroffe (Swimming)

 

2002

Audrey Bates (Squash/Lacrosse),  Mal Evans (Bowls),  Steve Jones (Athletics),  Gwyn Nicholls (Rugby Union),  Berwyn Price (Athletics),  Dave Thomas (Golf)

 

2003

Jonathan Davies (Rugby Union/League),  Willie Davies (Rugby League/Union),  John Dawes (Rugby Union),  Mark Hughes (Soccer),  Nick Whitehead (Athletics)

 

2004

Trevor Foster (Rugby League),  Terry Griffiths (Snooker),  Bryn Jones (Soccer),  Tony Lewis (Cricket),  Ivor Powell (Soccer),  Arthur Whitford (Gymnastics)

 

2005

John Gwilliam (Rugby Union),  Colin Jackson (Athletics),  Tom Richards (Athletics),  Steve Robinson (Boxing),  John Toshack (Soccer)

 

2006

Brian Huggett (Golf),  Dan Shepherd (Cricket),  Alf Sherwood (Soccer),  Allan Watkins (Cricket)

 

2007

Arthur Gould (Rugby Union), Helen Weston (Netball), Phil Bennett (Rugby Union), Joe Calzaghe (Boxing)

 

2008

Billy Trew (Rugby Union), There were no living new inductees to the Hall of Fame this year - instead the WSHOF celebrated several important anniversaries in Welsh Sport. 

1. Centenary of the first rugby league international match when Wales beat New Zealand 9 - 8 at Aberdare on 1st January 1908.

2. Centenary of the first Welsh Grand Slam in 1908.

3. The 50th anniversary of the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Wales. - MORE INFO CLICK HERE

4. The 50th anniversary of Wales reaching the quarter finals of the 1958 soccer world cup in Sweden 

 

2009

David Roberts (Paralympic Swimming), Clive Sullivan (Rugby League, posthumously), JJ Williams (Rugby Union). 

Unsung Hero Award - Ray Jones (Swim Wales)

Welsh Sports Journalist of the Year - Robin Davey (South Wales Argus)

Special Award - Enzo Calzaghe 

 

 

The A-Z Guide to the Roll of Honour

Janet Ackland (Bowls)
Began bowling in 1959 and less than ten years later won her first title at Llandrindod Wells. Captained her country and won 100 indoor and outdoor caps since her inclusion in the Welsh side in 1973. Captured two British Isles titles, four Welsh crowns and competed at four successive Commonwealth games. Followed her bronze in the 1977 World Championship with a gold at the 1988 Games in Auckland.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Jim Alford (Athletics)
Became the first athlete in a Welsh vest to win a track gold medal at the Empire Games when he won the 880 yards in Sydney in 1938. Beat world mile record holder Sydney Wooderson and Olympic 1500 metre gold medallist Jack Lovelock during his brilliant career. Helped British 4 x 1500 metre team to break the world record and won 11 Welsh titles from 440 yards to cross country. Became first National Coach for Athletics in Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Ivor Allchurch (Soccer)
The 'Golden Boy' of Welsh soccer, he scored a then record 23 goals for Wales in 68 appearances and was a key member of the Welsh side that reached the quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden. Made 694 league appearances and scored 251 goals for Newcastle United, Cardiff City and Swansea Town.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Jack Anthony (Equestrian)
A Grand National winner on three occasions, 1911, 1915 and 1920, he also took the National Hunt jackey's title in 1914 as an amateur, and in 1928 as a professional.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Audrey Bates (Lacrosse/Tennis/Table Tennis/Squash)
An incredible all-rounder, she played for Wales at four different sports. Was a regular competitor at Wimbledon and also played table tennis. She was a Welsh squash international who also played for the British women's team against the USA. Was also invited to play for Wales at hockey, but declined through lack of time. Went on to become president of the Welsh Squash and Welsh Lacrosse associations.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Phil Bennett (Rugby Union)

29 caps for Wales, 1st cap v France 1969, last cap v France 1978 - Captain of Wales and the 1977 Lions, Bennett stepped nicely into Barry John's boots to star for Wales in the 1970s Golden Era. In his last match for Wales, the 1978 Grand Slam decider against France, Bennett scored 2 tries to set the seal on what was a fantastic career wearing the scarlet shirt of Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY PHIL BENNETT MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Horace Blew (Soccer)
This gifted footballer holds the rare distinction of representing Wales on 22 occasions despite playing League football only twice in his career. Played for then non-League club Wrexham throughout the whole of his career apart from one match for Manchester United and another for Manchester City. An automatic Wales selection between 1903 and 1909

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Billy Boston (Rugby League)
Made the Great Britain rugby league team as a 19 year old rookie after only five games on the wing with Wigan. Proved his potential by scoring a then record 35 tries on 1954 tour to Australia in 18 appearances. Ended with a career best total of tries for Briton in a career spanning 17 years. Played 31 times for Great Britain.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

David Broome (Equestrian)
An exceptional showjumper who has ruled the world from the saddle. Was World Champion as an amateur and professional and was three time European Champion. Six times winner of the King George V Cup and holder of two Olympic bronze medals, he attended six Olympiads.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Ronnie Burgess (Soccer)
Joined Tottenham Hotspur from Cwm Villa and went on to win the League title with Spurs in 1951 - the year after he helped them win the Division 2 crown. Captained Wales and won 32 caps for his country as a left half. Also played for Great Britain against the Rest of Europe in 1947.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Joe Calzaghe (Boxing)
Calzaghe, 35, is the longest reigning current boxing champion, having held the WBO super middleweight crown for 10 years, and is undefeated in 43 fights.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

John Charles (Soccer)
The ''Gentle Giant'' who became the youngest-ever Wales soccer cap in 1950 at the age of 18 years 71 days and netted 42 league goals for Leeds United in 1953-54 despite spending much time in defence. Played for Wales in the 1958 World Cup and spent five successful years with top Italian league side Juventus. Enjoyed further success at Leeds, Roma and Cardiff City before being player-manager of both Hereford and Merthyr.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

JC Clay (Cricket)
One of the founding fathers of Glamorgan cricket, he played 28 summers and took 1, 317 wickets with his slow, left-arm spin. He was captain, coach, treasurer, secretary and finally president of the club. First Glamorgan cricketer to play for England, making one Test appearance against South Africa in 1935, he helped win the County Championship for the first time in 1948

 

Gerald Davies (Rugby Union)
Won 46 caps and scored 20 tries for Wales. He captained Cambridge University, Cardiff, the Barbarians and Wales and was twice a British Lion. Played a starring role in the victorious 1971 Lions test series in New Zealand.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Jonathan Davies (Rugby League/Union)
A mercurial outside half in both codes and an inspirational point scorer for Neath, Llanelli, Widnes and Warrington. A true global star of the oval ball game in both codes and captain of his country in Union and League.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Lynn Davies (Athletics)
Wales' greatest athlete, he leapt to long jump gold at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Went on to add the European and Commonwealth titles to his collection two years later. His British record of 8.23 metres stood from 1968-2002

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Mervyn Davies (Rugby Union)
Wales' Grand Slam skipper in 1976 and the games' greatest number 8. Won 38 Welsh caps before injury cut him down in his prime. Won two Slams and three Triple Crowns. Made eight Lions Test appearances, winning five and drawing two as the British team won successive series in New Zealand and South Africa

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Willie Davies (Rugby Union/League)
Helped Swansea beat the 1935 All Blacks while still a teenager at school and won six caps for Wales before joining Bradford Northern. Became a legend up North, playing for both Wales and Great Britain in the 13-a-side code. Was winner of the Lance Todd man of the match award in the 1947 Challenge Cup final at Wembley

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

John Dawes (Rugby Union)
Captained and coached both Wales and the British Lions with great distinction. Skipper of Welsh 1971 Grand Slam team and then of victorious Lions side in New Zealand. Went on to become the most successful Welsh coach of all time and later director of coaching at WRU.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

John Disley (Athletics)
Won an Olympic steeplechase bronze in 1952 and finished sixth in the 1956 final. Set five British records in the steeplechase and four at two miles. Set Welsh records at six different distances. Was the leading pioneer of Orienteering in the UK and was one of the founders of the London Marathon. Was vice-chairman of the UK Sports Council from 1974-82

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Jim Driscoll (Boxing)
Peerless Jim was the uncrowned featherweight champion of the world. Won a Lonsdale belt in 1911 and went on to become the European and British Empire Champion. Had 71 fights as a professional between 1901-1919, winning 52 of them, drawing six and suffering 10 no decisions.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Gareth Edwards (Rugby Union)
Played 53 consecutive times for Wales, winning three Grand Slams and five Triple Crowns. Made three British Lions tours, playing in all the Tests on the victorious trips to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974. Was Wales' youngest ever captain at 19 and scored a then record 20 tries for his country.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Hugh Edwards (Rowing)
Became only the second man in Olympic rowing history to win two gold medals on the same day, winning the coxless pairs and coxless fours titles at Long Beach, California in 1932. Also won two gold medals at the inaugural British Empire Games in Canada in 1930 and went on to coach the British Olympic eight and the Welsh Commonwealth Games crews. Awarded DFC in 1944 and finished second in the 1935 King's Flying Cup.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Ann Ellis (Hockey)
A former captain and coach of Britain's Olympic hockey team, she won the MBE and was appointed vice-chair of the Sports Council for Wales. Wales' most-capped female hockey player with 136 consecutive appearances during a playing career that saw her captain the national side for seven years and take part in two world championships. She became president of the Welsh Hockey Union.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Mal Evans (Bowls)
First Welshman to win the world outdoor bowls title in 1972 at Worthing. Finished fourth at the inaugural championships in 1966. Won Welsh doubles titles with his brother and was a regular international and selector.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Nancy and Roy Evans (Table Tennis)
Legendary figures in the world of table tennis who were responsible for what became known as 'Ping Pong Politics' when they brought China and America together at a time when the two super-powers were not on speaking terms. Nancy was a world ranked performer who, together with husband Roy, scaled the heights in the world administration and also ran the game in Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Sir Charles Evans (Mountaineering)
Was one of the first climbers to conquer Everest and is regarded as one of the world's greatest mountaineers.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Tommy Farr (Boxing)
Retired as undefeated British heavyweight champion in 1938 but it was a fight he had in August the previous year that proved him on of the greatest heavyweight boxers Britain has ever produced. Farr went to New York to face Joe Louis and so very nearly came out on top. Louis conceded that it had been one of the hardest fights of his career.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Trevor Ford (Soccer)
Won 38 caps for Wales and scored a then-record 23 goals. Began his professional career at Swansea and went on to play for Aston Villa and Sunderland before returning to Wales with Cardiff City. A member of the PSV Eindhoven side that finished runners-up in the Dutch First Division in 1958.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Trevor Foster (Rugby League)
Scored 140 tries in more than 450 first-class games in rugby league and won 16 Welsh caps. Was known as 'Mr Bradford Northern' for his life-long association with the club. Played for Great Britain and won two Challenge Cup titles.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Arthur Gould (Rugby Union)
Playing at centre or full-back, 'Monkey' Gould starred for Wales between 1885 and 1897, captaining the team in their first ever Triple Crown success in 1893. In the year of his international retirement, the Welsh Rugby Union bought the Newport man, Wales' captain 1889-90, a house in Clytha Park from the proceeds of a benefit game. This breach of the amateur ethos enraged the English, Scottish and Irish unions, who boycotted fixtures with Wales for a time. Gould died in 1919 at the age of 54 and was celebrated with one of the biggest funerals Wales had ever seen.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARTHUR GOULD

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Tanni Grey (Disabled Sport)
In many ways the achievements of Linford Christie, Colin Jackson and Sally Gunnell was exceeded by a rather special and dedicated, wheelchair bound Welsh athlete at the 1992 Olympics. Tanni Grey amassed four gold medals at the Barcelona Paralympics, setting world records along the way. Many times winner of the London Marathon, she has also set world track records.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Terry Griffiths (Snooker)
Won the World Snooker title in 1979 after coming through the qualifying stages and helped Wales win the World Cup twice. Won two more ranking tournaments in 1982 and was a semi-finalist at the World Championships again in 1988. Now one of the games top coaches.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

John Gwilliam (Rugby Union)
Only man to captain Wales to two Grand Slams in 1950 and 1952. Welsh born, he played no 8 for Cambridge University, Gloucester and Edinburgh Wanderers and will be remembered as one of the greatest Welsh captains of all time.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Chris Hallam (Disabled Sport)
He battled his way to the top of the world to become one of Britain's most distinguished and successful disabled athletes. He was a world champion in and out of the pool. He twice won the London Marathon, held world records on the track at 100 and 200 metres in his class and he held world short and long course records in the pool for 50 metres breaststroke.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Brian Huggett (Golf)
One of Wales' most successful golfers, he won 16 events on the European Tour and topped the Order of Merit in 1968. Was the third highest money earner in his first season on the tour and later became highly successful on the European Seniors Tour. Played in 6 Ryder Cups and was non playing captain in 1977.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH GOLFING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Mark Hughes (Soccer)
A legend for club and country, he won championship and cup medals with Manchester United, Chelsea and Blackburn. Also played for Everton, Southampton, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Went on to manage Wales in 1999 and immediately took them up the world rankings. Won 72 caps and scored 16 goals.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Colin Jackson (Athletics)
The most bemedalled athlete in British history, he won two World titles at 110 hurdles, 4 European crowns and two Commonwealth golds. He set a world record in winning the 1993 World title in Stuttgart and has held it ever since. Also world record, and champion, at 60 hurdles indoors.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Carwyn James (Rugby Union)
The genius coach behind the British Lions Test series triumph in New Zealand in 1971, he also helped Llanelli become the greatest side in the UK, steering them to victory over the All Blacks in 1972. Played for Wales twice, dropping a goal in the 9-3 victory over Australia in 1958.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Barry John (Rugby Union)
Was nicknamed ''King Barry'' in New Zealand in 1971 when he spearheaded the Lions to their first Test series triumph over the All Blacks. Played 25 times for Wales and won a Triple Crown in 1969 and a Grand Slam two years later. Played 23 times in partnership with Gareth Edwards for Wales and in five Lions Tests on two tours.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Teresa John (Disabled Sport)
Winner of hundreds of medals and titles on the track and a regular competitor at major Games. A great ambassador for Welsh and British sport around the world.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Bryn Jones (Soccer)
Played 17 times for Wales between 1935-48 and figured in a further eight wartime internationals. Hit the headlines in 1938 when Arsenal paid a then world record fee of £14,000 to buy him from Wolves.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Cliff Jones (Rugby Union)
A Vintage Welsh outside half who went on to become the President of the WRU in their Centenary season of 1980/81. Played in the 1935 victory over the All Blacks and won 13 caps. Served 25 years on the WRU.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Cliff Jones (Soccer)
First capped by Wales as a teenager, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, he won 59 caps. Made 168 league appearances for Swansea Town before joining Spurs for £35,000 in 1958. Played in the double-winning side of 1961. Won the FA Cup with Spurs in 1962 and 1967 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963. Scored 134 goals in 318 games at Spurs.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Colin Jones (Boxing)
British, Commonwealth and European crowns came the way of this fearless boxer before he got a world title shot against Milton McCrory in Reno. It ended in a draw and the re-match, in Las Vegas, went McCrory's way in a split decision. He then fought Don Curry for the world title but it was not to be third time lucky and one of the greatest careers of any Welsh Boxer came to an end with only three defeats in 30 contests.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Jonathan Jones (Powerboating)
A Cardigan bank clerk who became World Formula 1 Powerboat champion on four occasions. He first took the world title in 1986 and was champion again in 1989, 1991 and 1998, equalling the record.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Ken Jones (Rugby Union/ Athletics)
One of the greatest all-rounders produced by Wales. He won a then record 44 rugby caps as a wing in the Forties and Fifties and captured an Olympic silver medal in the British 4x100 relay team at the 1948 Games. Also won medals at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games and was a British Lion in 1950.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Lewis Jones (Rugby Union/League)
The ''Golden Boy'' of Welsh rugby, at 18 he made a spectacular debut at Twickenham in 1950 in a season that saw Wales win their first Grand Slam in 39 years. Another followed in 1952 before he headed North to Leeds for a record fee of £6,000. Among his rugby league records were most points in a season - 496 in 1956-57 - a British record 21 points on his home debut against France, and 278 points on the 1954 British Tour.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Steve Jones (Athletics)
Set new world best marks for both the marathon and the half-marathon. Took the world marathon record down to 2:08.05 in 1984 and ran a British best of 2:07.13 a year later to win in Chicago again. Won marathons in London, New York and Toronto and took a Commonwealth bronze in 1986 over 10,000 metres. Olympic and World Championship finalist on the track and World Cross Country medallist.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Fred Keenor (Soccer)
Captained Cardiff City to within a whisker of the 1923-24 Football League championship, but the following season steered them to their first FA Cup final. Lost 1-0 to Sheffield United, but two years later he led the Bluebirds back to Wembley to defeat Arsenal 1-0. Won 32 caps, captaining his country in 1924.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

George Latham (Soccer)
George Latham coached Cardiff City FC during their greatest period of success between 1911 and 1936. They won the FA Cup in 1927 and only missed out on the League Championship by goal difference. As a player he appeared for Wrexham, Liverpool, Southport and Cardiff City, and played 12 times for Wales. He also managed the British team at the 1924 Olympic Games.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Valerie Latham (Swimming)
Won two bronze medals at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and was the only British swimmer to gain an individual medal. She finished third in the 100 metre backstroke event and then completed the first leg of the 4 x 100 freestyle relay squad that also got among the medals. She captured the first of her many medals at 15 in the 1927 European Swimming Games when she struck gold in the 400 metre relay to help win the Bologna Trophy. Captured 11 major medals in all.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Geoff Lewis (Horse Racing)
The only Welshman to ride a winner in the Derby, he won five Classic titles. He had more than 100 winners in a season four times. Was twice runner-up to Lester Piggott as champion jockey in 1969 and 1970. By the time he retired from racing in 1979 he had ridden 1,863 winners. His Derby triumph came on Mill Reef in 1971, who he also rode to victory in the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Became a highly successful trainer after quitting as a jockey.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Tony Lewis (Cricket)
Captained Glamorgan to their County Championship triumph in 1969 and also went on to skipper England. Became President of the MCC after retiring from the game.

 

Sir Harry Llewellyn (Equestrian)
Rode Foxhunter to a clear final round to help the British team win equestrian gold at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. In 1937 he had finished runner-up in the Grand National and went on to become chairman of the Sports Council for Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Richard Meade (Equestrian)
Picked up three gold medals at five Olympic Games. Was a member of the three-day event team that won gold in 1968 and 1972, and, riding Laurinston, captured the individual gold medal in Munich. Born in Chepstow in 1938, his first medal came in 1966 at the World Championships when he came second and he finished one better in 1970. Won team gold with the British team in 1982. During the same years he came first at Badminton.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Billy Meredith (Soccer)
The original Welsh footballing wizard he won two FA Cup winners medals and played top flight soccer with Manchester City and United up to within five months of his 50th Birthday. His career spanned 31 years included 1,568 league and international matches, 50 of them for Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Jimmy Michael (Cycling)
Became the World Professional 100 Kilometre paced cycling champion in Cologne at the age of 18 and re-wrote the record books during his career. He covered 28 miles and 1,000 yards in an hour and attracted crowds of 22,000 to watch him at the Paris Velodrome.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH CYCLING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Cliff Morgan (Rugby Union)
Capped 29 times of outside half for Wales he shot to world stardom on the 1955 British Lions tour of South Africa. Went on to find equal fame off the field as a broadcaster with the BBC.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Sheila Morrow (Hockey)
Was the British hockey captain for three years in the Seventies and played 112 times for Wales; starring in victory over England and helping to secure second place in the 1975 World Championship. Became an international umpire and went on to work for the Sports Council.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Jimmy Murphy (Soccer)
The brains behind the Busby Babes and Manchester United, he took over as manager after the Munich air disaster in 1958 and steered United to the FA Cup final. Remained as assistant manager at Old Trafford until 1971 and was Wales manager when they reached the World Cup finals in 1958. Played more than 200 times for West Bromwich Albion and figured in the 1935 FA Cup Final.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Gwyn Nicholls (Rugby Union)
Nicknamed the 'Prince of Wales Centres'. he captained Wales to victory over the 1905 All Blacks. Was the first Welshman to play for a British XV, when he toured Australia in 1899 and went on to win 24 caps. Led Wales 10 times and also captained Cardiff.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GWYN NICHOLLS

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Jack Peterson (Boxing)
British light heavy and heavyweight champion in the 1930s. He also won the British Empire heavyweight crown and went on to become president of the British Boxing Board of Control. Won 33 of his 38 pro fights.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Ivor Powell (Soccer)
Won eight Welsh caps and notched a record transfer fee for a half-back when he moved from QPR to Aston Villa. Went on to be successful coach well into his eighties.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SOCCER MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Berwyn Price (Athletics)
Won the Commonwealth 110 hurdles gold in 1978 having struck silver four years earlier. Took gold at the World Student Games and was a semi-finalist at the Olympic Games. Held the British record for a while and won 50 British vests.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Paulo Radmilovic (Water Polo/Swimming)
The amazing Cardiff-born swimmer captured four Olympic Gold medals three in the Water Polo teams of 1908, 1912 and 1920 and also in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay of 1908. Welsh-born of a Greek father and Irish mother, he competed in six Olympics and was Water Polo skipper on four occasions. Became the first Briton to be inducted to the Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida and won nine ASA titles from 100 yards up to five miles in length.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Ray Reardon (Snooker)
Ray Reardon won six times the World Professional snooker champion, and won 10 titles in all his career. He was a member of the Welsh team that won the World Team Cup three years out of four in the early Eighties, and partnered England's Tony Jones to the World Doubles crown.

 

Dai Rees (Golf)
Led Britain to Ryder Cup success in 1957. He played in nine competitions against the Americans and finished second in the Open Championships in 1953, 1954 and 1961. Was the BBC and Welsh Sports Personality of 1957.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH GOLFING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Dick Rees (Horse Racing)
First man to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and twice a winner of the Grand National. He was champion steeplechase jockey six times and became the first National Hunt jockey to ride 100 winners in a season in 1924, when he won 108 of his 348 rides.

 

Tom Richards (Athletics)
One of the rare breed of Welsh Olympic medallists, he scooped silver at the 1948 Games in London in one of the most thrilling marathons on record. Also completed at the Commonwealth Games for Wales and won many road race titles.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Gus Risman (Rugby League)
Barry-born Risman was a star in rugby league for 24 years, during which time he won four Rugby League Championships and went to Wembley three times, the last time at 41. Scored more than 4,000 points in 873 first-class games, captained Wales and Great Britain and went on three British tours to Australia.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

David Roberts (Paralympic Swimming)
 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Steve Robinson (Boxing)
Rags to riches Cardiff fighter who took a world title shot at 24 hours notice and then went on to successfully defend his crown six times. Now a well respected trainer.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Ian Rush (Soccer)
Wales' record goal scorer and a legend at Liverpool, where he won every major competition. Started at Chester before switching to Anfield. Had a brief spell at Juventus before returning to Liverpool, where he became the record goal scorer in FA Cup history.

 

Don Shepherd (Cricket)
Twice inspired Glamorgan to victories over Australia in the sixties and bridged the gap between the 1948 and 1969 championship winning sides. Took more than 2,000 wickets for the Welsh county and passed 100 wickets for the season in 12 summers. One of the unluckiest cricketers never to play for England.

 

Alf Sherwood (Soccer)
King of the sliding tackle, he was one full back who could tame Stanley Matthews. Won 41 Welsh caps between 1947-57 and led Wales to a stunning victory over England in 1955. An ex-miner, he played 110 times for Cardiff City during war time and then made 353 league appearances. Won Welsh Schoolboy honours at soccer and cricket, joining forces with Trevor Ford and Gilbert Parkhouse in the cricket team.

 

Irene Steer (Swimming)
Swimmer Irene Steer won gold in the 4 x 100 freestyle at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics anchoring the British team as they set a new world record. Only a collision in the heats of the 100 freestyle robbed her of the chance of an individual medal. In 1913 she won the ASA title, equalling the 100 freestyle world record.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Clive Sullivan (Rugby League)
 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Jim Sullivan (Rugby League)
Jim Sullivan's rugby league career spanned 25 years. The Cardiff born full back made his Wigan debut at 18 and kicked a century of goals in each of his 18 seasons. His career total of 2,959 goals was a world record. Scored a total of 6,206 points, including 96 tries. He also toured Australia four times with the British rugby league team.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JIM SULLIVAN

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Dave Thomas (Golf)
Runner-up at The Open in 1958 and 1966, he won titles in Belgium, Holland, France, New Zealand, took the PGA Matchplay title and the Penfold. He played in the World Cup for Wales on 11 occasions, finishing third one year with the great Dai Rees, Made four Ryder Cup appearances and became one of the game's leading course designers.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH GOLFING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Eddie Thomas (Boxing)
Eddie Thomas won 42 of his 48 professional fights as a welterweight in a career that spanned eight years and saw him win British, Empire and European titles. Only boxing politics stopped him from challenging for the World title. He then turned to training and is the only Welshman to have guided two men - Howard Winstone and Ken Buchanan - to world titles. Also guided Colin Jones to three world title fights.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Vicki Thomas (Golf)
Six time a Curtis Cup player, she was a key member of the British golf side which won for the first time on American soil in 1986. Also helped the British team win the World Team Championship. She won the British Open title in 1990 and played for Wales in the Home Championships in 27 consecutive seasons. Eight times Welsh match play champion, she also won the Welsh Open four times.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH GOLFING MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

John Toshack (Soccer)
Won 3 League titles, 2 Uefa Cups, the FA Cup and the European Cup in a 172 game career at Liverpool. Scored 74 goals for the Reds having notched 75 for home team Cardiff City before a record £110,000 transfer to Anfield. Managed Swansea City's rise from Division 4 to 1 before heading to the continent to coach Real Madrid, Real Sociodad, Sporting Lisbon, Deportivo, Besiktas and St Etienne. Now coach to Wales.

 

Billy Trew (Rugby Union)

Info to follow soon

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BILLY TREW

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Maurice Turnbull (Cricket/ Rugby Union)
An international in three different sports, he captained Glamorgan CCC for nine years, acted as their secretary for 10 and topped 1,000 first-class run 10 times in all. Played 10 times for England, touring Australia and South Africa and facing the West Indies and India at home. An England selector, he was one of Wisden's cricketers of the year in 1931. Scored 17,543 runs, 29 centuries, and took 277 catches. Also played scrum half for Cardiff and Wales, played for the Welsh hockey team and won the South Wales squash title.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Kirsty Wade (Athletics)
First Welsh woman to win a track gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1980, she went on to win two more four years later. Reached the finals of the 1500 metres at the World Championships in 1987 and 1991 and held numerous British and Commonwealth records.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Fulke Walwyn (Horse Racing)
Won the Grand National on Reynoldtown as an amateur rider in 1936 and turned to training after a life-threatening fall in 1938. Over the next 51 years he turned from novice trainer into a legend of the turf, training 2,188 winners and capturing every important jumping race title in the calendar. He was leading trainer five times and guided Team Spirit to a Grand National win in 1964 - 28 years after his own triumph as a jockey.

 

Allan Watkins (Cricket)
Played 15 Tests for England between 1948-52 and also played league football with Plymouth Argyle, Born in the Usk, he passed 1,000 runs for Glamorgan in 13 seasons, scored 17,419 during his county career and took 390 catches. He was one of the mainstrays of the fist Glamorgan Championship winning side in 1948 and also helped the Welsh county to Famously beat the 1951 South African tourists.

 

David Watkins (Rugby Union/League)
A giant in both codes, he captained his country in the 15 and 13-a-side games and toured Australia with both British Lions sides. Cracked many points records in league with Salford and was part of the Newport side that defeated the All Blacks in 1963.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Freddie Welsh (Boxing)
Born Frederick Thomas, ''Freddie Welsh'' went on to reign as champion of the world for almost three years at lightweight between 1914-1917. He fought 178 fights in all between 1905-1922, losing only four. He won the European title in 1909 and three months later he took the British Featherweight crown. He successfully defended his European crown twice before relinquishing it in 1913. A year earlier he had claimed the Commonwealth title and he stepped onto the world stage in 1914 to beat Jimmy Ritchie from America over 20 rounds in London.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Helen Weston (Netball)
Cwmbran netball star Weston, 41, is Wales' most-capped player with 112 caps.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Nick Whitehead (Athletics)
Won an Olympic medal in the sprint relay in Rome 1960 and also represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games. An established British sprint star, he went on to become British Olympic team manager in athletics at two Games and deputy director of the Sports Council for Wales. Was long serving secretary of Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Arthur Whitford (Gymnastics)
British gymnastics champion 10 times, he competed at the 1928 Olympics and went on to coach two British teams at later Games. Became the first person to be individual champion in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Jimmy Wilde (Boxing)
Known as '' The ghost with the hammer in his hand'', Jimmy Wilde became World Flyweight Champion in 1916 and retained the title for a record seven years and four months. He achieved 98 wins inside the distance in official contests and an estimated 700 battles in the old style boxing booths. Thought to have lost no more than six bouts during his career and was voted the hardest pound puncher in boxing.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

Bleddyn Williams (Rugby Union)
Regarded as the Prince of Centres, he led both his club Cardiff and Wales to victory over the 1953 New Zealand All Blacks. One of eight brothers who played for Cardiff, he scored seven tries in 22 appearances for Wales. He toured Australia and New Zealand with the 1950 Lions, playing in all five Tests. He scored 185 tries for his club, a record that stood for over 40 years.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Freddy Williams (Speedway)
Twice World Speedway champion, he only held a provisional license on the road when he took his first crown in 1950. Was runner-up two years late before winning again in 1953. Helped the Wembley Lions win eight British titles at Wembley. His brothers, Eric and Ian, also rode in the World Championship finals. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

J J Williams (Rugby Union)

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

J P R Williams (Rugby Union)
Made a then record 55 appearances for Wales and won six Triple Crowns and three Grand Slams. Led Wales to their 1979 Triple Crown success and played in eight successive British Lions test matches, winning five and drawing two, as he helped the Lions win series in New Zealand and South Africa. Captained Bridgend in their centenary season and helped them win the WRU Challenge Cup on two occasions. A great all-round sportsman, he was the Junior Wimbledon tennis champion of 1966.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH RUGBY MEMORABILIA AT www.rugbyrelics.com 

 

Howard Winstone (Boxing)
Became World featherweight champion in 1968, 10 years after striking gold for Wales as an amateur at the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. Took the British featherweight title from Terry Spinks in 1961 and successfully defended the crown six times to pick up two Lonsdale belts. After winning the European crown in 1963, he successfully defended that title seven times over the next three years. Became World Champion when he beat Japan's Mitsomori Seki in London.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH ATHLETICS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com

 

David Winters (Disabled Sport)
Remarkable participant and administrator in the disabled sports sector. Won many medals at major games and was an inspiration to his peers. Became a member of the Sports Council for Wales.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Martyn Woodroffe (Swimming)
As a teenage Cardiff schoolboy, he returned from the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City with a silver medal in the 200 butterfly - a race in which Mark Spitz finished last. Won medals at the Commonwealth Games and was one of Wales' greatest competitors in the pool. Went into coaching at the end of his competitive and became Scottish National Coach.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELSH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT www.sport-wales.com 

 

Associated Awards

WELSH SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
 
1990 Peter Corrigan (The Observer)
1991 Ken Jones (The Independant)
1992 Bob Humphrys (BBC Wales News)
1993 Paul Rees (South Wales Echo)
1994 Stephen Jones (Sunday Times)
1995 Huw Llywelyn-Davies (BBC Wales)
1996 Peter Jackson (Daily Mail)
1997 Ron Jones (Radio 5 Live)
1998 David Facey (The Sun)
1999 Geoff Nicholson (Independant on Sunday)
2000 Brian Madley (The People)
2001 Michael Boon (Western Mail)
2002 Eddie Butler (The Observer)
2003 Graham Thomas (BBC Wales)
2004 Jamie Corrigan (The Independent/Wales on Sunday)
2005 Gerald Davies (The Times)
2006 Paul Abbandonato (Western Mail)
2007 John Hopkins (Sunday Times)
2008 James Lawton (News of the World)
2009 Robin Davey (South Wales Argus)

 

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

 
1998 Frank Baguley (Cambrian Caving Council)
1999 David Williams (Athletics Association of Wales)
2000 Graham Crimp (Welsh Cricket Association)
2001 Vic Hubbard (Multi Sports)
2002 Moc Morgan (Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association)
2003 Adrian Amsden (Snowsport Cymru Wales)
2004 Basil George (Welsh Target Shooting Federation)
2005 Jim Lightbody (Tennis Wales)
2006 Tudor Thomas (Welsh Cycling Union)
2007 Ken Jones (founder of the Snowden race)
2008 John Taylor (Welsh Rugby Union) 
2009 Ray Jones (Swim Wales)

 

SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO WELSH SPORT

 
2001 Lord Brooks (Boxing)
2002 Ceri O'Donnell (Hockey)

 

 This page is intended for information purposes only. It is not an official website. Further information on the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame can be obtained by contacting..........

WSHOF Hon. Secretary, Mr Geoff Bray, c/o Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9SW


SPORT-WALES HOME  -  RUGBY RELICS HOME  -   WORLD RUGBY MUSEUM