When asked to describe Phil Bennett, one rugby author wrote: "There is a word in Spanish which is used when other superlatives are deemed inadequate - 'Duendne'. It has no equivalent in English or Welsh but it accurately describes that doyen of Welsh Rugby, Phil Bennett. He was a rugby player whose talents defy definition; a mercurial mix of the impressive, the unexpected and dare I say, the superhuman!"
Born on October 24th 1948, Phil grew up in the small village of Felinfoel, in the rugby mad town of Llanelli. He rose from a humble upbringing to reach the very highest pinnacles a rugby player could achieve, going on to captain Llanelli RFC, Wales, The British Lions and The Barbarians. His flair, skill and instinctive abilities, which included his famous sidestep and swerve, made him a firm favourite with not only Welsh fans, but crowds throughout the rugby playing world. His wizadry and mercurial skills, together with a genuine love of the game, have ensured him a special place in the history of the sport.
Phil's exceptional sporting talent was clear for all to see from a very early age. He gained three Wales School Boy caps and three Wales Youth Caps, before joining his beloved Llanelli RFC in 1967.
He made his international debut on the 22nd of March 1969 against France in Paris at the age of just 20, when he became the first ever Welsh International substitute. Phil played in the centre, on the wing and at full back for Wales before settling into the famous Welsh number 10 jersey in 1972 to become a truly world class fly-half.
Outstanding performances at International level earned Phil a place on the famous 'invincible' British Lions tour of South Africa in 1974. His starring role, which included a record 103 points, helped the Lions return home undefeated - a feat never achieved before or since that time. His dazzling 50 yard try against the Springboks during the 2nd Test in Pretoria typified his individual brilliance and his ability to tear opposition defences apart. Phil achieved the ultimate honour in 1977 when he became only the second Welshman in Lion's history to captain the British Lions, and led them in their tour to New Zealand.
He also played over 20 times for the Barbarians, including the famous game against New Zealand in 1973 in Cardiff. Indeed, it was Phil who launched a daring attack in his own 22, which led to the try that connoisseurs of the game still regard as the greatest ever scored. His series of dazzling sidesteps left four All Black defender's trailing in his wake before the ball eventually found its way to Gareth Edwards to score in the corner. Cliff Morgan's now legendary commentary of the try describes it thus: "Phil Bennett covering, chased by Alistair Scown. Brilliant! Oh, that's brilliant!" The rest is history...
Phil won a total of 29 Welsh caps (including 8 as captain) during the glory days of the 1960s and 70's, bringing a wealth of entertainment and success in equal measure. He retired from international rugby in 1978, after captaining Wales to victory against France at Cardiff Arms Park, scoring two tries and securing the Grand Slam in the process. At the end of his international career, Phil had won a total of 3 Grand Slams, 4 Triple Crowns, and 5 Home Nation Championships, as well as becoming Wales's all-time record points scorer.
He continued to thrill crowds at Stradey Park for Llanelli RFC until 1981, hanging up his boots as the record points scorer in the Club's history. Phil, was Scarlet through and through, and played a total of 14 seasons for the club, including 6 as Captain, winning 4 Welsh cups along the way. A career high came in 1972 when he turned in a magical performance to inspire them to a magnificent 9-3 victory over the mighty All Blacks.
Phil was awarded the OBE in 1979 for his services to sport and is a member of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, the Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame and the Welsh Sporting Hall of Fame. His incredible exploits on the field, coupled with his unassuming character off it, have established 'Benny' as a true rugby great and a sporting icon.
Career Summary:
3 Welsh Youth Caps
3 Welsh School Boy Caps
14 Seasons with Llanelli RFC (including 6 as captain)
29 Senior Welsh Caps (including 8 as captain)
2 British Lions Tours, 8 British Lions Caps: South Africa 1974 and New Zealand 1977 (as captain)
Over 20 games for the Barbarians including the famous game against the All Blacks in 1973 (including several as captain)
International Honours:
5 Home Nation Championships (now known as the Six Nations) including 3 Grand Slams and 4 Triple Crowns
Domestic Honours:
4 Welsh Cups
Sporting Honours & Inductions:
Awarded the QBE for services to sport in 1979
World Rugby Hall of Fame
Welsh Sporting Hall of Fame
Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame