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Former rugby international Cliff Morgan passes away

Former rugby international Cliff Morgan passes away

THE former Wales international rugby player Cliff Morgan has passed away. He was 83.

He made his debut for his country in 1951 and went on to win a further 28 international caps. Regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves, the young Morgan had played a key role in the Grand Slam-winning side of 1952.

The following year he enjoyed a unique winning double over the All Blacks, first with his club Cardiff and then with the Wales side. 

His career included three appearances for the British and Irish Lions — including the 1955 tour when as captain he scored a great try against the Springboks in Johannesburg in a match which the Lions won 23-22. There were also eleven appearances for the Barbarians including as captain when the side played South Africa at Twickenham in 1970.

After retiring from the sport at 28, Mr. Morgan then embarked on a career in broadcasting and journalism in which he was to enjoy as much success as he  had as a player. He edited the BBC’s Grandstand show and at one point took charge of the ITV current affairs programme This Week. He was also one of the team captains for a time on A Question Of Sport.

But for rugby fans he will be best remembered for his incisive commentary of some of the great international matches. 

Despite suffering a stroke in 1972, Mr. Morgan battled back to fitness a year later to commentate on the Barbarians match against the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park when Gareth Edwards scored his famous try (see below)

Many will also remember his 11 years as presenter of the Saturday morning BBC Radio 4 show, Sport On 4, which included news, views and some of the best interviews ever broadcast on the station.

Mr. Morgan passed away after a long illness.

To hear Mr. Morgan commentate on Gareth Edwards’s famous try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973, click here.

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