John Rees Glyn Stephens

John Rees Glyn Stephens

John Rees Glyn Stephens was born in Neath on 16 April 1922 and educated at Llandovery College. A man of many parts, he was at various times a farmer, coal mine owner, and proprieter of a popular hotel and cafe in his home town. He was also a backbone of Neath RFC., and club captain for four seasons. In 1946 he played at lock for Wales in four Victory internationals but was equally at home at number 8 where he later won 11 of his 32 full caps between 1947 and 1957. He set a new record as the most-capped Wales' forward and was also captain in six internationals. In 1950 he toured Australasia with the British Isles, playing in 14 games, including two test matches. His 14 games for the Barbarians included the matches against South Africa in 1952 and New Zealand in 1954, six Easter tours, and the captaincy against Newport in 1951. He served on the committee for eight years between 1953 and 1961. He was also a WRU selector and committeeman. Rees Stephens died on 4 February 1998, aged 75.