Find Out “What Illness Did Leeds Rhinos Rugby Star Lewis Jones Have?” The sports community is currently grieving the loss of former rugby union star Lewis Jones, who passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness.
Renowned for his contributions to both rugby union and rugby league, Jones was a former Great Britain rugby league international and a Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby union full-back.
Jones initiated his career in rugby union, achieving two Grand Slams with Wales and obtaining 10 caps for Wales and three for the Lions in 1950.
In 1952, he made a transition to rugby league, joining Leeds for a fee of £6,000. During his time with the team, he secured victories in the Challenge Cup and the RFL Championship, and he earned 15 caps for Britain.
Jones’s enduring legacy in the realm of rugby is characterized by an impressive record, having participated in 385 games for Leeds, scoring 144 tries, and contributing 1,244 goals. His significant impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come.
What Illness Did Leeds Rhinos Rugby Star Lewis Jones Have?
Lewis Jones, the iconic rugby star, passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness. The sources do not specify the details of the particular illness that led to his demise. Jones, a dual-code international, gained recognition for his remarkable contributions to both rugby union and rugby league.
His leadership guided Leeds Rhinos to their inaugural Championship in 1961, and he played a crucial role in the team’s triumph in the Challenge Cup four years prior. Throughout his illustrious career, Jones scored 144 tries and made 1,244 successful kicks in 385 games for Leeds, amassing a total of 2,920 points—a record that was later surpassed.
Jones’s impact extended beyond his tenure with Leeds. He represented Wales in rugby union and was part of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1950. His enduring legacy earned him induction into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Leeds Rugby Hall of Fame four years later. Additionally, he holds a place in the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame Roll of Honour.
The Leeds Rhinos community mourned the loss of Jones, honoring his contributions by wearing black armbands during matches. The organization extended its deepest sympathies to his family and friends, acknowledging his lasting influence on the sport and the community. The specific details of the illness leading to his passing remain unspecified in the provided sources.
Lewis Jones Career Explored
Lewis Jones, born on April 11, 1931, near Swansea, Wales, was a dual-code rugby international, celebrated for his exceptional skills in both rugby union and rugby league. Over three decades, his illustrious career showcased his talent and profound impact on the sport.
Jones commenced his journey in rugby union, debuting for Wales as a teenager at Twickenham against England. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia in 1950, where he played a pivotal role in three Tests, displaying his unique play style. Jones’s contributions were instrumental in Wales’ Grand Slam victory in 1950, earning praise for his mesmerizing performances.
In 1952, Jones transitioned to rugby league, joining Leeds Rhinos in England. Signed for a then-record fee of £6,000, he made a remarkable debut, scoring seven goals in a victory over Keighley. Jones’s tenure with Leeds comprised 385 appearances, during which he scored 144 tries and kicked 1,244 goals, totaling 2,920 points—a record at the time of his retirement.
Jones’s time with Leeds was marked by notable achievements, including the club’s first Championship in 1961 and victories in the Challenge Cup in 1957 and Yorkshire League Championships in 1954-55, 1956-57, and 1960-61. His final game for Leeds was in 1964 before he moved to Australia as a player-coach at the Wentworthville club.
Post-retirement, Jones returned to Leeds in 1972 as a teacher at Silver Royd High School. He briefly coached Leeds ‘A’ and took over first-team duties at Dewsbury in 1977-78, leaving a lasting impact on players and fans.
Jones’s legacy is immortalized with inductions into the Rugby League Hall of Fame (2013), Leeds Rugby Hall of Fame (2017), and the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame Roll of Honour. His passing in March 2024 at the age of 92 marked a significant loss to the rugby community, with tributes from the Leeds Rhinos and fans honoring his enduring contributions to the sport.
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