Put simply, Gareth Edwards is probably the greatest rugby player of all time.

In 53 caps for Wales he proved himself beyond equal and was one of the chief reasons Wales enjoyed such unparalleled success during the 1970s.

He also played a starring role in historic wins for the British Lions in New Zealand and South Africa.

Oh, and he scored THAT try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks.

Edwards was first capped for Wales at the age of 19.

Between 1969 and 1978 he never missed a game for Wales, a remarkable run during which time he never suffered a serious injury of a dip in form.

He was also Wales's youngest ever captain, at the age of 20.

Edwards was the ultimate finisher who scored a remarkable 20 tries for his country. His desire to win and strength always shone through when he was on the pitch.

Welsh fans had almost blind faith in his presence and opportunism, key factors in the country's success as they recorded three Grand Slams, five Triple Crowns, five outright championships and two shared titles.

Edwards also had the benefit of playing alongside two of the finest fly-halves the game has ever seen.

In the early part of his Wales career he enjoyed an almost telepathic understanding with Barry John, his clubmate at Cardiff.

And when John retired abruptly in 1972, he found a new partner in Phil Bennett.

Together they would help steer Wales to two Grand Slams, as well as helping to mastermind the Lions' famous victory against the Springboks in 1974.

That came 18 months after the moment Edwards is perhaps most remembered for.

His try for the Baa-Baas against the All Blacks at the Arms Park is without question the most repeated in television history.

Bennett, perhaps fittingly, started the move with a series of sidesteps from inside his own 22, and after the ball was thrillingly passed through several pairs of hands, Edwards took the final pass from Derek Quinnell before sprinting towards the line and diving in at the corner flag.

In 1974 he was named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the year. A statue of him stands in St David's shopping centre in Cardiff.