Jack Matthews
Wales
player portrait
Full name Jack Matthews
Born June 21, 1920, Bridgend
Died July 18, 2012, Porthcawl (aged 92 years 27 days)
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Wales, Wales XV
Position Centre

Test career
Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop GfM Won Lost Draw %
All Tests 1947-1951 23 23 0 12 4 0 0 0 0 10 10 3 50
Wales 1947-1951 17 17 0 12 4 0 0 0 0 8 7 2 52.94
British and Irish Lions 1950-1950 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 41.66
Five/Six Nations 1947-1951 16 16 0 12 4 0 0 0 0 7 7 2 50

Career statistics
Test debut Wales v England at Cardiff, Jan 18, 1947 match details
Last Test France v Wales at Colombes, Apr 7, 1951 match details
Test Statsguru Main menu | Career summary | Match list | Most points | Most tries | Tournament list
Profile

Jack Matthews was part of a legendary Welsh midfield partnership alongside Bleddyn Williams. The former Newport and Cardiff star Matthews was also a doctor on the 1980 Lions tour of South Africa.

Matthews, who was made an OBE in 2001, played 17 times for Wales and skippered the side against France in Paris in 1951. He was also captain of Cardiff for four seasons. He played six Test matches for the Lions on the 1950 tour of Australia and New Zealand, earning the nick-name "Iron Man" for his crash tackling.

His career was curtalied by the Second World War. A General Practitioner by profession he travelled, with the 1980 Lions on their tour of South Africa as the team doctor.

Born in Bridgend, South Wales in 1920, Matthews attended Bridgend County School before matriculating to the University College Cardiff.

A talented sportsman, in 1937 he won the Welsh AAA junior 220 yards title. A year later, after spending three seasons in the Welsh Secondary Schools rugby team, he played in a senior Wales trail, at just 18. In 1939 he came second in the Senior Men's AAA 100 yards and third in the 220 yards.

Matthews continued his connection with sport after retiring from playing rugby. He maintained links with boxing, becoming the medical officer to the Welsh Boxing Association.

Latest Articles
Six Lions inducted to IRB Hall of Fame (Nov 19, 2013) Hospital pass (Apr 23, 2013) Lest we forget (Dec 29, 2012) The unique Dr Jack (Jul 20, 2012) Wales legend Dr Jack Matthews dies (Jul 19, 2012) Jack Matthews news and articles (10) »
Latest Photos
Mar 25, 1950
Wales' Jack Matthews touches down for a try
Wales' Jack Matthews touches down for a try
©  PA Photos
Mar 25, 1950
Wales' Jack Matthews touches down for a try
Wales' Jack Matthews touches down for a try
©  PA Photos
Jan 21, 1950
Wales pose ahead of their Five Nations clash with England
Wales pose ahead of their Five Nations clash with England
©  PA Photos

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