Biography
Kenneth Jeffrey Jones, better known as Ken Jones, was born on December 30, 1921, in Blaenavon, Wales, and passed away on April 18, 2006, in Newport, Wales. Jones was an accomplished Welsh sprinter and international rugby union footballer. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to both athletics and rugby, especially his memorable winning try against the All Blacks in 1953.
Teams and Years Played
- Talywain (1945-46)
- Blaenavon (1945-46)
- Pontypool (1946-58)
- Newport (1948-49)
- Leicester (1948-49)
International Caps
- Wales: 44 caps (1947-1957)
- Barbarians: 5 caps (1949-1956)
- British Lions: 3 caps (1950)
Career Highlights
Early Life and Education Ken Jones attended West Monmouth Grammar School and later studied at St. Paul’s Training College in Cheltenham and Loughborough College. During World War II, he served in the Royal Air Force, which helped him develop his sprinting skills.
Athletics Career Before his rugby fame, Jones was a prominent sprinter. He won a silver medal in the 4×100 meters relay at the 1948 London Olympics and another silver at the 1954 European Championships. He also earned a bronze medal at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Rugby Career After the war, Jones played for several clubs, notably Newport, where he spent the majority of his rugby career. He captained Newport twice and led them to win the Welsh Club Championship in the 1950-51 season.
International Rugby Career Jones made his debut for Wales in 1947 and quickly became a crucial player. He was part of the Welsh team that won the Triple Crown in 1950 and the Grand Slam in 1952. His most iconic moment came in 1953 when he scored the winning try against the New Zealand All Blacks, a feat that remains legendary in Welsh rugby history.
British Lions Jones toured with the British Lions in 1950, playing 17 matches and scoring 17 tries. His standout performance was against New Zealand, where he showcased his sprinting prowess to score a magnificent try.
Later Life and Awards Ken Jones continued to contribute to rugby and athletics as a high school teacher and a sports reporter. He was honored with an OBE in 1960 for his services to Welsh rugby. In 1990, he became the first rugby union inductee into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame. Despite suffering a stroke in his later years, Jones remained an influential figure in Welsh sports until his passing in 2006.