Jump to main content

Obituary: Handel Greville

Obituary: Handel Greville

The Welsh Rugby Union sends a message of sincere condolences to the family of former international Handel Greville, who passed away last week.

Share this page:

Greville, who held the distinction of being the oldest living Wales rugby union international, died at the age of 92 at Prince Phillip Hospital, Llanelli, on Friday 20th June.

A scrum-half by trade, Greville won his solitary cap for Wales in the 6-0 victory over Australia on Saturday 20th December 1947. 

Born in Drefach on 13th September 1921, he lined up alongside the likes of Jack Matthews, Bleddyn Williams and Ken Jones for the famous win over the Wallabies, played out in front of a 45,500 strong crowd at the National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park.

He was a former captain of Llanelli rugby club, who also played for both Carmarthen Athletic and Swansea and later became president, chairman and secretary of Llanelli RFC.

“The Welsh Rugby Union sends its sincere condolences to the family of Handel Greville,” said a spokesperson.

“Handel was a highly respected figure in Welsh rugby who continued to give to the game long after he finished playing.

“Although his international career was limited to one cap, against Australia in 1947, the game was an historic win for Wales over Southern Hemisphere opposition.

“This was only the third time the two countries had met and the win tipped the win loss ratio in Wales’ favour, a statistic which would not be reversed until the mid-1990s.”

Mr Greville’s funeral will take place on Friday, 27th June 2014 in his home town of Drefach at 2.15 pm.

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Official Broadcast Partners
BBC Cymru/Wales
S4C
Official Partners
Heineken
Isuzu
Guinness