Swansea RFC were saddened to hear of the recent passing of former All White lock forward Dai Davies (Swansea RFC Player Legacy Number: #1621).
From Caewern in Neath, Dai was one of four rugby playing brothers who all played for Neath, one brother, the feared Randall, was the scourge of many a team. Dai Davies was in the Neath/Aberavon side who were narrowly beaten by the 1963 All Blacks. He was famed for his ability to dribble a ball toward the opposition, a practiced skill in early rugby football forwards – Scottish packs being very adept – and very difficult to stop, but mastered by few in Dai’s era. While at the Neath club Dai was unfortunate in not gaining selection for Wales.
After leaving the Neath club Dai joined Swansea RFC in the 1965-66 season, playing 23 matches under captain Morrie Evans. Dai had in fact played a game for Swansea back in February 1962 against the Royal Navy team at St Helen’s. He formed a great lock partnership at St Helen’s with Jim Clifford, the two giving excellent lineout ball and weight in the scrums.
During the 1966-67 season Dai made 34 appearances under skipper Mike Thomas with whom Dai was great friends. They both worked for many years at the BP Oil Refinery at Llandarcy at the Tank Farm. Dai’s greatest achievement with Swansea was on 26th November 1966 at St Helen’s where he was in the Swansea pack the day they defeated Australia by 9 points to 8 in a game marked for its uncompromising play. Mike Thomas came in for much attention from the Wallabies and left the pitch for ten minutes in the first half. Dai Davies and his six team mates in the Swansea pack played wonderfully until Mike was able to return to the fray.
Dai Davies played just six matches in 1967-68 before finishing his first class career. Dai’s last game for Swansea was on 6th March 1968 against Newbridge at St Helen’s. He continued to play for his local club at Glais. He had also toured with an Irish Wolfhounds side that was full of internationals, an acknowledgement of his prowess as a player.
The thoughts of all at St Helen’s are with Dai’s family at this difficult time. Information about the funeral service will be posted when it is confirmed.
