Cardiff RFC have announced the death of former Wales and British Lions international Keri Jones at the age of 81.
Jones died on Thursday, October 29. He joined Cardiff in 1965, was capped five times by Wales and also represented the Barbarians. He toured South Africa with the Lions in 1968 before switching codes and joining Wigan the same year.
In rugby league he was capped twice by Great Britain and appeared at the 1970 Rugby League World Cup. He was also a sprinter who represented Great Britain at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
Cardiff RFC statement
Cardiff RFC said in a statement: "The club is sad to report that Keri Jones passed away on the morning of 29th October at the age of 81."
"Keri attended Ystalyfera Grammar School and played on the wing for both Neath and Cardiff College of Education before joining Cardiff RFC in 1965."
"However, after only two games for the Blue & Blacks he took a sabbatical from rugby to concentrate on athletics and won a place in the Welsh Commonwealth Games team that went to Jamaica in 1966, running in the 100 yards, 220 yards and sprint relay races."
"Keri returned to rugby union in the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons playing a further 58 games and scoring 30 tries for the club. Keri was capped by Wales in five internationals and also played for Barbarians. Keri toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 1968 before signing professional forms for Wigan RLFC later that year."
Rugby league and athletics career
"As a professional, Keri went on to win two Great Britain caps playing against France and New Zealand in the 1970 Rugby League World Cup which was held in England."
"In retirement, Keri was a long-standing member of the Former Players Association and attended a number of our breakfast gatherings before experiencing ill-health earlier this year."
"We send our sincere condolences to Keri’s wife, Andrea, and their two daughters Lynne & Elen, at this sad time."
Neath RFC tribute
Neath RFC, another of Jones' former clubs, also paid tribute. "Neath RFC is sorry to report that former wing Keri Jones has passed away," their statement began.
"A product of Ystalyfera Grammar School, sprint champion Keri made his first-class rugby debut for Neath in a 6-nil win over Maesteg in September 1964 and played for Cardiff College of Education before joining Cardiff RFC."
"He was a member of the Welsh Commonwealth Games team that went to Jamaica in 1966, running in the 100 yards, 220 yards and sprint relay races before returning to rugby union and won his first cap for Wales against New Zealand in 1967 (Brian Thomas propped)."
"He played in all four of Wales’ ‘Five Nations’ games that season, represented the Barbarians and toured South Africa with the British Lions in 1968 before joining Wigan RL going on to represent Great Britain."
"Neath RFC’s condolences go to his family and friends."
