I was there, a great win for Wales but it was my first trip to Twickenham in 6 years without my father who passed in 1974. So mixed emotions. I was standing on the open end which felt like 90% Welsh https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/201419/
Long-time Wimbledon tournament referee Alan Mills has died at the age of 88, the ATP Tour has announced. Mills was the All-England Club's referee from 1983 to 2005, earning the nickname of 'Rain Man' for ordering the covers on when rain stopped play. He was awarded an OBE in 1996 and a CBE in 2006. In a statement confirming Mills died on Thursday, the ATP described him as having "an impeccable character and integrity". Another former Wimbledon referee, Gerry Armstrong, said: "Alan was a great influence on myself and many officials around the world. "He was always helpful and encouraging during the years we worked together at Wimbledon and on the ATP Tour. It was a great honour to work alongside him in professional tennis for many decades." Mills, who continued to act as referee at some ATP, WTA and ATP Champions Tour events until 2015, was well known for his clashes with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. The Lancastrian also disqualified Tim Henman from Wimbledon in 1995 after the Briton smashed a ball in frustration at the head of a ball girl. Prior to his off-court role, Mills had been a player and coach himself, reaching the Wimbledon men's doubles semi-finals in 1966, while he also made the third round of the French Open twice. RIP
Barry John, the legendary former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half has died aged 79. John played in 25 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions, one in South Africa in 1968 and four in New Zealand three years later. Wales won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns during his stint on the international stage. John cemented his legacy against the 1971 All Blacks by playing a starring role in the historic 2-1 win over the hosts who dubbed John 'The King'. He retired the following year aged just 27. RIP
One of the best players , ball in hand , I have ever seen play. Another true legend has sadly passed. RIP Barry John - The King
I had the pleasure of being introduced to him by Brian Thomas in the Players’ Room after a Cardiff v Neath match in 1997. (Also that same day I met the late Brian Rees ex-Neath Grammar, Cambridge, London Welsh and Wales hooker)
The Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77. RIP
