Phil Bennett statement in full as Scarlets confirm hero's death and honour 'an icon'

The Scarlets have paid tribute to "one of the all-time legends of the game" Phil Bennett after his death at the age 73.

The west Wales region announced the sad news on Sunday evening. He had been battling a long illness.

Bennett won 29 caps for Wales and toured with the British Lions in 1974 and 1977 - skippering the world-famous trip to New Zealand.

His finest hour probably came at home, though, at Stradey Park in the 9-3 win over the All Blacks in 1972. His feats were recently recognised when a statue of the legendary fly-half was unveiled in his hometown of Felinfoel. You can leave your own tribute to Benny here.

He is survived by wife Pat and sons Steven and James.

Scarlets executive chairman Simon Muderack said: "Phil was a hero and friend to so many people, not only in Llanelli and West Wales, but throughout the game and I am sure a lot of Scarlets supporters will have their own particular stories of the times they met and chatted to ‘Benny’. He loved the club and epitomised the values we hold true — humility and pride in our community."

In a statement on the club's website that confirmed the news, the Scarlets wrote: "It is with deepest sadness that we announce that our former captain and Scarlets President Phil Bennett has died at the age of 73.

"One of the all-time legends of the game and widely regarded as the greatest player to wear the Scarlets jersey, ‘Benny’ played 413 times for Llanelli RFC from his debut against arch rivals Swansea at the age of 18 to his final appearance at his beloved Stradey Park in 1981.

"A player with stardust in his boots, he possessed a sidestep that would mesmerise defenders — his jinking run to spark ‘the greatest try ever scored’ for the Barbarians against New Zealand in