John Bevan

John David Bevan (12 March 1948 – 5 June 1986) was a Welsh international rugby union footballer, one of two John Bevans who played for Wales during the 1970s. Bevan was born in Neath. He played for Aberavon RFC, the British Lions and The Barbarians. He formed a formidable club half back partnership with Clive Shell, and was a player got the most out of players outside of him. During his playing career he rivalled Phil Bennett for the Welsh No 10 position. Bennett originally held the place but the club performances of Bevan put him in the ascendancy during the 1974–75 season. A fly half, capped four times for Wales, he won his first cap against France in Paris in January 1975, following a sound performance playing for The Barbarians in the drawn game (12–12) against the touring All Blacks at Twickenham the previous month. During the Paris test, he was one of six Welsh players making their debut (Trevor Evans, Charlie Faulkner, Graham Price, Ray Gravell and Steve Fenwick being the others). Wales won for the first time in Paris for many years by 25–12 points with Bevan producing a remarkable try-saving tackle. England were the next opponents for the unchanged Welsh and were hammered 20–4 at Cardiff Arms Park. Next up were Scotland at Murrayfield where Bevan sustained a dislocated shoulder. He was replaced by Bennett and Wales lost the match 12–10. Bevan’s season was over.