Renowned Welsh Rugby Stalwart John O’Shea Passes Away in Australia

The rugby union community is mourning the loss of former Wales and British and Irish Lions prop John O’Shea, who has died in Australia at the age of 83 after a lengthy illness.

O’Shea, capped five times for Wales from 1967 to 1968, made his international debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in February 1967. He was later selected for the 1968 Lions tour to South Africa, where he became the first player to be sent off for foul play in a Lions match after punching an Eastern Transvaal opponent. O’Shea claimed the incident occurred as retaliation after the opposing player had targeted Lions scrum-half Roger Young, sparking an infamous melee as the prop left the field.

Scoring Milestone Achieved

During the 1968 Lions tour, O’Shea also made history as the first prop to score two tries in a single game, crossing the line twice against Rhodesia. He played his club rugby for Cardiff between 1963 and 1970, making 213 appearances and scoring 19 tries. O’Shea served as the club captain in the 1969-1970 season.

“A great character, John was a very popular and respected member of the club where he made many life-long friends, and he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.”

The passing of John O’Shea marks the loss of a true legend in the annals of Welsh rugby union and British and Irish Lions history.

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