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Former Wales Captain celebrates 90th

Former Wales Captain celebrates 90th

John Albert Gwilliam, one of Welsh rugby’s oldest former players who first took to the field in international colours in 1947, celebrates his 90th birthday today.

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Gwilliam, who was a No. 8 and made 23 appearances for his country, has received a birthday card from the Welsh Rugby Union and a message from the 2013 squad currently mounting it’s RBS 6 Nations title defence.

The Pontypridd born flanker was a Cambridge University product who turned out for Newport and Llanelli as well as spending time at London Welsh, London Wasps and Edinburgh Wanderers. 

He made his international debut in the 1947 victory over Australia and is also in an elite group of Welshman to have beaten the All Blacks – he was part of the last side to beat New Zealand, in 1953.

Born in 1923 he went on to captain Wales on 13 occasions, in 2005 he was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and he is pictured during a recent return to the national stadium at the invitation of the WRU, alongside Courtney Meredith (right) and N G Davies.

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