ABERYSTWYTH University has this evening paid tribute to Welsh rugby legend, John Dawes OBE, following news of his death.

Mr Dawes, a former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain and coach has died at the age of 80.

He was also a former Aberystwyth University student and was made a Fellow of the university in 2018.

The Vice Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, Professor Elizabeth Treasure has paid tribute to John Dawes OBE following the announcement of his death.

Prof Elizabeth Treasure said: “It was a great honour to be able to present John as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University in 2018.

"I will always remember his total delight about being given his Fellowship.

"He was so very very proud and grateful to receive such recognition from his former university.

"It was a pleasure to meet his family on such a lovely occasion.

“As a former student who went on from here to have a dazzling rugby career, we remain so proud of him and his achievements.

"I would like to pass on the sympathies of us all at Aberystwyth University to John’s family and friends.”

An Aberystwyth alumnus (Chemistry, 1962), John Dawes won his first Wales cap in 1964 aged 23.

He went on to win a further 21 caps for Wales over the subsequent decade - six as captain, including the Grand Slam winning side of 1971.

John Dawes captained the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand, where they became the first and only team to date to win a series in New Zealand. He also coached the British Lions tour to New Zealand in 1977.

After retiring as a player, he was the coach of the Wales national side from 1974-1979, winning the Five Nations Triple Crown four times in five seasons as well as two Grand Slams.

He was made an OBE in the 1972 New Year’s Honours List for services to sport.

The Lions tweeted on Friday: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lion #487 John Dawes.

"Captain of the Lions on the 1971 Tour, the only Lions side to win a series in New Zealand, Dawes made 19 appearances for the Lions.

"A true legend of the game, John will be sorely missed."