Swansea Rugby Club were saddened to hear of the passing of former ‘All Whites’ coach and Welsh cap Ian Hall. He was seventy nine years of age.
Ian, who hailed from Gilfach Goch in the Rhondda, made a name for himself as a hard running and sure tackling centre at Pontypridd RFC. He made the move to Aberavon who he captained in the 1971-72 season. Employed in the Police force, he reached the rank of Inspector and also played for South Wales Police.
Ian hall won eight Welsh senior caps between 1967 and 1974, his first debut being against New Zealand. He also made five appearances for the Barbarians invitational side between 1971 and 1974.
After retiring from playing, Ian coached at South Wales Police and later at Swansea RFC. His term at St Helen’s spanning two seasons from 1982-83 to 1983-84, taking over a very successful squad coached by Stan Addicott. In his first season Swansea were winners of the Western Mail Unofficial Welsh Championship, Whitbread Merit Table, Daily Mail Anglo-Welsh Championship and Sunday Telegraph Team of the Season. They also won the Snellings sevens. The following season Swansea were Welsh Cup Finalists.
Ian Hall left his mark at St Helen’s as a no nonsense coach and all at St Helen’s wish to pass their condolences on to his family at this difficult time.