Looking like an upside down pint of Guinness with his jet black hair and white head band, Mervyn Davies was one of rugby's most recognisable faces.

His hard-as-nails attitude and tough tackling made him feared by the opposition and adored by Welsh fans.

Merv the Swerve won his 38 international caps consecutively and stands out as one of Welsh rugby's great figures.

After a string of impressive performances for Swansea, Davies made his Wales debut in 1969 against Scotland.

From then on he became a regular in the side as he provided control at the back of the line-out.

He was always consistent with his performances.

His deceptively lanky body hid his sheer strength in the maul.

This coupled with his great vision and uncanny sense of anticipation earned him a place on the British Lions tour of 1971.

His towering 6ft 3in frame at the back of the line-out ensured Lions supremacy and ultimately paved the way for the 3-1 Test series victory in New Zealand.

He was also chosen for the Lions tour of South Africa in 1974, and he responded with superb displays in the matches against Orange Free State and Northern Transvaal, where he scored crucial tries.

In 1975 Davies was handed the Wales captaincy and he is regarded by many as the country's best-ever skipper.

However, a year later he suffered an inter-cranial haemorrhage during the All Whites' match against Pontypool.

Davies was lucky to escape with his life, and his career ground to an abrupt halt.

However, the legend of Merv the Swerve, and the image of him that iconic headband, still lives long in the memory.