Mervyn Davies (rugby union) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mervyn Davies
OBE

Birth name	Thomas Mervyn Davies
Date of birth	(1946-12-09)9 December 1946
Place of birth	Swansea, Wales
Date of death	15 March 2012(2012-03-15) (aged 65)
Height	1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight	93 kg (14 st 9 lb)
School	Penlan County School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number eight Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1968-1972 1972-1976 London Welsh RFC Swansea RFC Barbarian F.C. Surrey () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1969–1976 1971–1974 Wales British Lions 38 8 7 (0)

Thomas Mervyn Davies, also known as "Merv the Swerve," was a famous Welsh rugby player. He was born on December 9, 1946, and passed away on March 15, 2012. Mervyn played as a No. 8, a key position in rugby union. He earned 38 caps playing for the Wales national team. Davies was celebrated for his strong leadership and impressive skills on the rugby field.

Mervyn Davies: A Welsh Rugby Star

Early Life and Rugby Beginnings

Mervyn Davies was born in Swansea, Wales. He went to Penlan County School. His father also played club rugby, which might have inspired Mervyn.

Playing for Rugby Clubs

Mervyn Davies joined the London Welsh club in 1968. Later, he moved to play for Swansea. He was known for being tall and slim. He even grew a special moustache to look tougher on the field! This is how he got his famous nickname, "Merv the Swerve."

International Success with Wales and the Lions

Mervyn first played for Wales in 1969 against Scotland. He then played in 38 matches in a row for Wales, scoring two tries. During his time, Wales won two Grand Slams. A Grand Slam means winning all games in the Five Nations Championship. They also won three Triple Crowns. A Triple Crown is when a team from the UK or Ireland beats all other UK and Ireland teams in the championship.

Mervyn also joined the British and Irish Lions on two big tours. He went to New Zealand in 1971 and to South Africa in 1974. He played in all eight important test matches on these tours. Other famous players like Colin Meads and Willie John McBride praised Mervyn's skills. They said he had a huge impact on the Lions' success.

In 1975, Davies became the captain of the Welsh team. They won the Five Nations Championship that year. In 1976, he led them to another Grand Slam victory. Overall, Mervyn played 46 international games for Wales and the Lions. He only lost nine of those matches, showing how successful he was.

Mervyn's Amazing Rugby Skills

Mervyn Davies was known for many great skills on the rugby field. He was excellent at lineout play, which is when players jump to catch the ball thrown in from the side. He was also very good at handling the ball, even in tight spaces. His commitment, mental strength, and ability to predict what would happen next made him stand out.

In 2001, Mervyn Davies was honored by being put into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. This is a special place for the best rugby players ever. In 2002, Welsh rugby fans voted him the "Greatest Ever Welsh Captain." They also voted him the "Greatest Ever Welsh Number 8." Many still consider him one of the best No. 8 players in rugby history.

Life After Rugby

Mervyn Davies' rugby career ended in 1976. This happened because he had a serious health issue during a game while captaining Swansea. He had been misdiagnosed with another condition four years earlier. After this second incident, he spent several months in the hospital. He received many messages of support from people all over the world.

Later in his life, Mervyn faced further health challenges. He passed away in March 2012. He was survived by his second wife, Jeni, and his children.