Sidney John Dawes (born 29 June 1940 in Chapel of Ease, part of Abercarn) was a Welsh rugby union player, playing at centre, and later coach. He captained Wales, The Barbarians and the British and Irish Lions.
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Education
Dawes was educated at Lewis School Pengam, and later Aberystwyth University, then Loughborough College. He got a chemistry degree and then later went on to get a PGCSE at Loughbrough college where he met his wife to be, Janet
Rugby Career
He played club rugby for Newbridge in Monmouthshire, then joined London Welsh. Winning his first cap for Wales against Ireland in 1964, he went on to make twenty two appearances for Wales, captaining the side in six of them, including leading the Grand Slam winning side of 1971.
British Lion Captain & Barbararian
In 1971, Dawes was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions side for the tour to New Zealand. This side, coached by Carwyn James, became the first and so far the only Lions team to win a series in New Zealand. Dawes was also captain of the Barbarians side that beat New Zealand in Cardiff in 1973.
Wales Rugby & Lions Coach
After retiring as a player, Dawes became coach of the Welsh national side in 1974, a post he held until 1979. This was one of the most successful periods in the history of Welsh rugby, with the team winning the Five Nations Championship four times in the five seasons between 1975 and 1979, including two Grand Slams. He also coached the 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand, but was unable to repeat the success of 1971. He is currently president of London Welsh R.F.C. and has written several books on rugby union.
