John Bevan

Who was John Bevan?

John David Bevan was a Welsh international Rugby Union player, one of two John Bevans who played for Wales during the 1970s.

Bevan was born in Neath. He played for Aberavon RFC, the British Lions and The Barbarians.

Bevan formed a formidable club half back partnership with Clive Shell. He was a player who was able to get the most out of players playing outside of him due to his natural ability. During his playing career he rivalled Phil Bennett for the Welsh No 10 position. Bennett originally held the place but the club performances of Bevan put him in the ascendancy during the 1974-5 season.

A fly half, capped four times for Wales, he won his first cap against France in Paris in January 1975, following a sound performance playing for The Barbarians in the drawn game against the touring All Blacks at Twickenham the previous month. During the Paris test, he was one of five Welsh players making their debut