Career
Burgess was a popular player who had many nicknames some of which were Budgie, Animal and The Steel Claw thanks to his fearless nature and rugged appearance. He played his club rugby for Ebbw Vale Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Croesyceiliog Reconstruction Finance Corporation and Brescia Rugby
Burgess is unusual as he first started playing rugby at the age of 20 after leaving the Merchant Navy. This did not prevent him from being capped for the Wales B team against France in 1976 and his first full cap came in a try-scoring debut against Ireland in 1977.
Born in Manmoel on 25 November 1950, Robert Clive Burgess joined Ebbw Vale from Croesyceiliog Reconstruction Finance Corporation and was a superb servant to the Eugene Cross Park club, for whom he made more than 200 appearances, before finishing his career in Italy with Brescia.
Former Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Lewis said.