Keri Jones: Former Wales and Lions wing dies aged 81

Keri Jones, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing who also represented Great Britain in rugby league, has died aged 81.

Cardiff RFC announced that Jones died on the morning of Thursday 29 October. The club said he had experienced ill health earlier this year.

Jones won five caps for Wales, toured South Africa with the Lions in 1968 and later played for Wigan and Great Britain. He also represented Wales as a sprinter at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

In retirement, he remained a long-standing member of Cardiff’s Former Players Association and attended the club’s breakfast gatherings.

Keri Jones: From Neath to the Commonwealth Games

Educated at Ystalyfera Grammar School, Jones made his first-class rugby debut for Neath in a 6–0 win over Maesteg in September 1964.

He also played for Cardiff College of Education, where he qualified as a teacher, before joining Cardiff RFC in 1965.

His first spell at the Arms Park lasted just two matches before he stepped away from rugby to concentrate on athletics. That decision took him to the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, where he competed in the 100 yards, 220 yards and sprint relay.

Jones returned to Cardiff for the 1966–67 and 1967–68 seasons, making a further 58 appearances and scoring 30 tries during those two campaigns.

Neath’s tribute remembered him as a sprint champion and offered the club’s condolences to his family and friends.

Wales caps and the 1968 Lions tour

Jones made his Wales debut against New Zealand in 1967 and played in all four matches of the following Five Nations championship. His five international appearances came in the 1967–68 season, during which he scored two tries.

He also made two appearances for the Barbarians. The club’s playing record lists matches against Wasps and New Zealand in 1967, with Jones scoring twice on his debut against Wasps.

His performances earned him selection for the Lions tour of South Africa in 1968, just seven months after his first Wales cap.

According to the Lions’ official profile, Jones played six tour matches and scored a try against South Western Districts. He did not feature in the Test series against the Springboks.

Wigan move and Great Britain honours

Jones switched codes later in 1968, signing professional forms with Wigan.

Two years later, he represented Great Britain at the Rugby League World Cup in England, winning caps against France and New Zealand.

Those appearances added rugby league international honours to a sporting career that had already taken him to the Commonwealth Games, the Wales team and a Lions tour.

Cardiff pay tribute

In its announcement of his death, Cardiff recalled Jones’s continuing involvement with the club through its Former Players Association.

The club said:

“We send our sincere condolences to Keri’s wife, Andrea, and their two daughters Lynne & Elen, at this sad time.”