Alun Gruffydd Thomas

Alun Gruffydd Thomas

Alun Gruffydd Thomas was born in Cwmavon on 3 February 1926 and educated at Port Talbot County School and Aberystwyth University. He worked as a sales manager, oil company representative and as an appeals officer for the National Trust. A versatile outside back, he played club rugby for Llanelli Wanderers, Swansea, Cardiff and Llanelli. In 1953 he played at centre for the Cardiff XV that defeated New Zealand. Between 1952 and 1955 he gained 13 caps for Wales at centre, wing and fly-half. In 1955 he toured South Africa with the British Isles and played in five matches, all at full-back. In 1974 he returned to South Africa as manager of the Lions' on their invincible tour. He was also a national selector and in 1985/86 was president of the Welsh Rugby Union. Alun Thomas died in Swansea on 8 May 1991, aged 65.