John Jeffery

Background

John Jeffery was born in Oakdale and educated at Pontllanfraith Grammar School, the same school attended by British Lion Alun Pask.

Career

Having played for a series of clubs, he joined Newport Reconstruction Finance Corporation in the 1965-1966 season. He played for the club for nearly ten years making 210 appearances, scoring 55 tries and Captaining the team between 1970 and 1972. He also played 10 times for the Barbarians, including an appearance against South Africa.

In November 1967 he played number 8 for Wales against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in a Welsh team that included Barry John, Gareth Edwards and John Taylor.

The New Zealand side that day included such greats as Colin Meads and Brian Lochore. The following year he toured Argentina with a Wales team that was captained by John Dawes.

Achievements

• He played for Welsh Schools in the 1962-1963 season and Pontllanfraith School continues to acknowledge his achievements by awarding the annual player of the year trophy in his name. New Zealand won the game scoring two converted tries and a penalty to Wales" single penalty and a drop goal.