Whites mourn passing of 'loyal servant' Horace

RUGBY fans are mourning the loss of a former All Whites star and stalwart.

Horace Phillips, who played on the wing for Swansea between 1950 and 1957, was 81.

Born in Birchgrove, he did National Service with the RAF before making his debut for the rugby club in the 1950/51 season.

He played a total of 179 games and scored 53 tries.

The former Dynevor Grammar School pupil also gained a Wales cap when they beat France 9-5 at St Helen's before a capacity crowd of 53,000 in 1952. He also played on the wing for Swansea when they famously drew 6-6 against the All Blacks in 1953.

He toured with the All Whites on their ground-breaking tour of Romania in 1954 and stood in temporarily as captain during the 1955/56 season for injured Billy Williams.

Mr Philips worked as a teacher at Martin Street School in Morriston before serving as head teacher at Waunarlwydd Primary School between 1973 and 1982.

He died after a long illness with his family around him on Saturday.

A spokesman for Swansea RFC said: "Horace will be missed at the post-match gatherings in the St Helen's lounge where he was always ready with a good story and encouragement for younger players.

"He was active with the club in an administrative form long after his playing days were over, as well as in coaching young players in the Swansea setup.

"He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

In the club's centenary season of 1973/74 he was entrusted with guiding the newly-formed Former Players Association through its infancy into the strong organisation it is today.

Long-time friend David Price, from Blackpill, said Mr Phillips had played during an era of great Welsh sides and players, including Ken Jones, Bleddyn Williams, Lewis Jones and Jack Matthews.

"Horace was a very good wing and a loyal servant to the club," he said.

"He would have had many more caps in today's rugby given the placements and number of fixtures played."