Career
He was noted for his long distance goal-kicking and specialist line-out forward. Having received his education at Sandfields Comprehensive school in Portuguese Talbot Martin was capped at lock in every schoolboy age group by his country. His hometown club Aberavon Reconstruction Finance Corporation where he first started his playing career in 1966 were quick to recognise his athletic ability and size and quickly nurtured him into their ranks in the mid-1960s.
He became the cubs most capped player with 34 caps for Wales and 2 British Lions Tours to New Zealand 1977 and South Africa in 1980.
He played for Aberavon Reconstruction Finance Corporation in over 780 games from 1966 to 1992. Martin was first capped against Australia in 1973 along with his Aberavon team mate Clive Shell.
Martin was a prolific goal kicker and his kicks often assisted Wales during this time. He was Coach for Aberavon Reconstruction Finance Corporation between 1991 and 1992 and coached UWIC Reconstruction Finance Corporation forwards coach from 1993 to 1996.
In 1977 he toured New Zealand one of three players from Aberavon - outside half John Bevan and prop Clive Williams being the others
In 1980 he toured South Africa with the British Lions. In 1979, he briefly joined Llanelli Reconstruction Finance Corporation on a pre-season tour to South Africa before having a change of heart and returning to his former club He played five games only but never a home game for Llanelli.
Martin played two full successful seasons at Penarth Reconstruction Finance Corporation before returning to Aberavon Reconstruction Finance Corporation to become player/coach.
He retired from senior rugby at the age of 42 years but continued to play until the age of 50 years with the Wales Classic XV.
