“Iron Man” Matthews Passes Away

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Dr Jack Matthews OBE has passed away aged 92.

Matthews played in six test matches for the Lions on the 1950 tour to Australia and New Zealand which is where he earned the nickname Iron Man for his tackling exploits.

Dr Matthews also travelled on the 1980 tour to South Africa as the team Doctor, which is the period where this photograph is from.

Williams also found notoriety in 2004 when he publicly attacked Sir Clive Woodward’s coaching methods ahead of the 2005 tour to New Zealand.  Ultimately, Matthews protestation came to pass exactly as he had feared.  The midweek team/test team split in the 2005 Lions camp was divisive and resulted in a 3-0 whitewash by the hosts, validating Matthews’ pre tour predictions.

Matthews was a huge part of the outstanding Welsh & Cardiff centre partnership alongside “Prince of Centres” Bleddyn Williams, where he played for his country 17 times, captaining the side once against France.

He played his club rugby for Newport and Cardiff, captaining the latter for four seasons.

Williams was also the doctor for the Welsh Boxing Association.  He was awarded an OBE in 1981.