Neath RFC is saddened to learn that John Samuel has passed away.

“John Sam” as he was invariably known played for Neath in the late 1950’s and made well over 200 appearances in a very powerful Neath pack which featured three British Lions in Courtenay Meredith, Rees Stephens and Roy John.

John was a regular in the Neath pack and could perform in the second row and back row with equal facility.

He played in the Aberavon-Neath team against Australia in 1957 when the combined side was pipped by a single conversion 3-5. and, on leaving the Neath area, John moved to the Midlands to work and played for the Coventry club who were an equally as powerful unit at the time.

His funeral will be held on the September 7th at 1.30pm at Christchurch, Coed y Paen, Nr. Pontypool, Monmouthshire and, with Neath playing Pontypool on Saturday, a minute’s silence will be held in his memory prior to kick off.