Phil Bennett remembered as a ‘natural talent’ and ‘legend of a player’ for Wales

Welsh rugby legend Phil Bennett, who has died aged 73, has been remembered by former teammates and opponents as a “natural talent” who made “anything possible”.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain was an integral member of a golden Welsh generation, representing his country in 29 Tests and helping to secure two Five Nations grand slams, including the 1978 crown when he scored two tries in a 16-7 win over France in Cardiff.

Bennett also starred in the Lions’ historic unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974 and produced moments of magic in his 20 appearances for the Barbarians, including starting the famous Gareth Edwards try against New Zealand in 1973.

Jonathan Davies, the former Wales captain, says Bennett played a vital role in his own development. “I have known Benny for over 50 years,” Davies told BBC Five Live. “He had a sports shop in Llanelli and I went in just so I could see and meet him. When he retired I used to go down training with him and he just said come down and do some sprint training sessions. We became very good friends, we shared the same birthday. He was a legend of a player and an even better bloke”

Gerald Davies, theWelsh Rugby Union president, was an international teammate of Bennett during the 1970s and recalled how his sublime skillset made up for his small stature. “He was an exceptional player, a great joy to be with in company, full of good stories,” Davies told BBC Radio Four. “The game itself is made of big burly men, tough and hard, and yet here was a man who was half their size almost able to make them look clumsy and awkward and uncoordinated.

“He had quick clever footwork which was absolutely essential to his game, but unless you have the courage, the daring, those