Len Blyth
Full name | Leonard Grist Blyth | ||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 20 November 1920 | ||
Place of birth | Swansea, Wales[1] | ||
Date of death | 24 June 1995 74) | (aged||
Place of death | Johannesburg, South Africa | ||
School | Dynevor School | ||
Rugby union career | |||
Playing career | |||
Position | Flanker | ||
Amateur clubs | |||
Years | Club / team | ||
Gorseinon RFC Swansea RFC | |||
National team(s) | |||
Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
1951-1952 | Wales[2] | 3 | (0) |
Leonard Grist "Len" Blyth (20 November 1920 – 24 June 1995) was a Welsh international rugby union flanker who played club rugby for Swansea. He captained Swansea and played in three international games for Wales which saw him become a Grand Slam winner.
Rugby career
Blyth was captain of Swansea during the 1951/52 season[3] and led his team against the touring South Africans on 15 December 1951. Seven days later, Blyth was awarded his first international cap when he was chosen as a flanker to face the South Africans for the Welsh national team. Wales were narrowly beaten and Blyth found himself selected for the opening game of the 1952 Five Nations Championship. Blyth played against England and Scotland before losing his position for the last two matches. Nevertheless, Wales won the tournament and Blyth became a Grand Slam winner. After the end of his international career, Blyth still played against international opposition, including Swansea's 6-6 draw against the 1953 touring New Zealand side.
International matches played
Wales[4]
- England 1952
- Scotland 1952
- South Africa 1951
Bibliography
- Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3.
References
- ↑ Ospreys player profiles
- ↑ Wales Rugby Union player profiles
- ↑ Swansea Rugby Club Club captains
- ↑ Smith (1980), pg 463.