Sydney John Dawes was born in Newbridge, Monmouthshire,on 29 April 1940 and educated at Lewis School, Pengam, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and Loughborough College. He qualified as a teacher, was a lecturer and later involved in rugby coaching and administration. John Dawes played at centre and was captain for six seasons of the successful London Welsh club side. He captained Wales for one game against Ireland in 1968 and then against France in 1970 and all four internationals in the 1971 Grand Slam season. Later that year he led the British Isles' team on their historic tour of Australia and New Zealand, playing in 19 matches, including the four tests. He retired from international rugby immediately afterwards, but continued at club level. In 1973 the Barbarians invited him to lead their side against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park. He also captained the Club in the Mobbs Memorial Match of 1971. After gaining 22 caps for Wales between 1964 and 1971 he became coach of the national XV in 1975 and later coaching organiser for the Welsh Rugby Union for ten years. In 1977 he coached the British Isles on their tour of New Zealand and Fiji.