Old Deer Park is still home to the legend of John Dawes.
It is home to London Welsh and the birthplace for a new, glorious style of attacking rugby.
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It was a brand that would transform not only the fortunes in Wales but also those of the British Lions.
You will find his name on the roll-of-honour in the clubhouse Dawes lived in during the 1960s and 1970s. His precious achievements are kept behind glass so that no one can touch them.
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Dawes, who was 80 years old, died last April. Some of his relatives have been granted special permission to unlock the cabinet doors and a lifetime of memories.
Mike Dawes, Dawes’s son, said that it was the first time he’d ever allowed me to touch his jersey.
Legends of Sport, a new BBC One Series, features Dawes’ legacy as both the lion that tamed All Blacks and as the visionary who lit the flame beneath the Welsh dragon.
This book examines the most inspirational and inspiring athletes Wales has produced, from the underdogs who defied all odds to the game-changers.
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Dawes was born in Abercarn as a war child, but he was not destined to live down the pits. He went on to become one of the first members of his family to attend university after being educated at Lewis School Pengam (the so-called “Eton of the Valleys”).
Legends of Sport, a new BBC One Series, features Dawes’ legacy as both the lion that tamed All Blacks and the visionary under the Welsh dragon.
This book examines the most inspirational and inspiring athletes Wales has produced, from the underdogs who defied all odds to the game-changers.
Dawes was born in Abercarn as a war child, but he was not destined to live down the pits. He went on to become one of the first members of his family to attend university after being educated at Lewis School Pengam (the so-called “Eton of the Valleys”).
Running rugby would soon draw a large number of exiles from Wales, including JPR Williams and Mervyn Davies.
“They (London Welsh), had a wonderful reputation in rugby football back then,” stated Wales and Lions wing Davies.
They were known for their open and aggressive game. People came from all over London to see John Dawes, and not necessarily Welsh.
1971 was the year that proved to be the best for these players. Dawes led Wales to a Five Nations Grand Slam title. He also became the first British Lions captain, winning their first series win in New Zealand.
He stated that he would look back at this year with great joy and know it was well-worth it.
Sir Gareth Edwards: John was a great player and brought out the best in us.
He was a great support when you were going through difficult times. He was one of the boys but he could also be management.
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John Taylor: John Dawes is more influential than any player or coach I have ever met.
He changed the game of New Zealand by directing the beatings down there. He has certainly changed the tempo of the game of Wales, and the modern game evolved from that.”
Gerald Davies: “He was a calm and patient captain who believed in winning at all costs.” He believed in the players’ abilities and the team he led.
Mike Dawes, the man who knew him best, said the last word: “Nowadays people remember those times with more fondness and realize it was special.
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It was amazing to see, and I think the mark that he left in rugby foot brings a smile on everybody’s faces. That’s what he loved to do. He enjoyed having fun and being himself.”
