Mr Bennett was at that time the oldest living forward to have played for Wales and his death means that there are now only seven survivors of pre-war international matches.
He was born in Aberkenfig on June 16, 1913 and attended the local St Robert’s Church School, before becoming a collier worker at the nearby Aberbaiden Colliery. He played in the pack for Tondu, Bridgend, Aberavon and Glamorgan Police.
Just four months after his Wales debut, he signed for Warrington Rugby League club and scored a try on his debut for the Wires on August 28, 1937 and when War broke out he joined the 48th Anti-Aircraft Battery and was stationed in Malta for several years.
In later years he played Rugby League at Bridgend and became steward of the Ogmore Vale non-political club. His cap and jersey remained in his house in Ynysawdre, but last week he was taken ill and died peacefully on Monday in Neath Hospital. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 19 with cremation at the Coychurch Crematorium, Bridgend at 3.00pm.
The seven surviving pre-war Wales internationals are:
Harry Bowcott (aged 96), Viv Jenkins (91), Geoffrey Rees Jones (88); Bill Clement – the former WRU secretary – (88), Les Manfield (87); Haydn Tanner (86) and John Ford (85).
