RAY GRAVELLRay Gravell, who died on 31 October, 2007, aged 56, was described as a legend of Welsh rugby union as tributes were paid.He played at centre for the South Wales club Llanelli for 15 years during the strongest period in their history, won 23 caps for his country and represented the British Lions on their tour of South Africa in 1980.On retiring from rugby in 1985, he went on to forge a successful career as an actor and broadcaster, with television and film roles and commentary appearances on BBC radio and S4C television.Raymond William Robert Gravell was born on 12 September, 1951, in Mynydd-y-Garreg, Carmarthenshire and was educated at Burry Port Secondary Modern School and Carmarthen Grammar School.He made his debut for Llanelli in 1970 and two years later playedagainst New Zealand on the famous "day the pubs ran dry", an occasion when 26,000 supporters drank the town out of beer after seeing their team secure shock 9-3 win. He captained the club between 1980 and 1982.He made his Wales debut in 1975 and helped them to four Five Nations titles, including two Grand Slams and a Triple Crown during Welsh rugby’s ‘Second Golden Age’.Shoulder injury kept him out of the Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand in 1977 but he played in all four tests during the controversial South African tour.His acting career began with a leading role in the film Bonner, made for the S4C Welsh language channel. He had a variety of further television roles and appeared in the films Damage, as Jeremy Irons’ chauffeur, and Rebecca's Daughters, with Peter O'Toole (both 1992).He hosted several radio chat showsand became a popular rugby commentator and interviewer with a proud, patriotic streak.In 2000 he was diagnosed with diabetes and ill-heath plagued his later years. In April of 2007 he underwent surgery to combat an infection, which resulted in him having a leg amputated. He had a false leg made in Llanelli scarlet. He died of a suspected heart attack on holiday in Majorca, leaving behind a wife, Mari, and two young daughters, Gwennan and Manon.Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis said: "We are all in total shock because Ray was so full of life even through the difficult health problems he suffered recently. He was a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales and a great example of how the game can bring out the best in a man."As a player, he always gave a huge amount of respect to his opponents but never gave an inch of ground to anyone he faced on the field of play. It is a measure of the man that he forged rugby friendships which lasted long after his playing days up until the present day. We will miss him as a rugby legend but more importantly, we will miss Ray as a great friend and a fine family man."WRU chairman and former Llanelli team-mate David Pickering added his tribute: "Ray was an inspiration both on and off the field and he will never be forgotten by anyone who truly loves this game of ours. He was renowned for his passion and strength of character and it was always reassuring to know Ray was in the line-up and on our side."
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