Biography
Terence David Holmes, born on March 10, 1957, in Cardiff, Wales, is a former Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer. Known for his physicality and skill, Holmes excelled as a scrum-half in rugby union and later made a mark in rugby league. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 88 kilograms, Holmes brought a unique blend of size and agility to his positions.
Teams and Years Played
Rugby Union:
- Cardiff RFC (1975-1985): 214 appearances, 142 tries
Rugby League:
- Bradford Northern (1985-1987): 40 appearances, 9 tries
International Caps
- Wales (Rugby Union): 25 caps (1978-1985)
- British and Irish Lions: 1 cap (1980-1983)
Career Highlights
Early Career and Youth Achievements Terry Holmes joined the Cardiff Youth team at sixteen and quickly established himself as a formidable player. Between 1974 and 1976, he played for Wales Youth, earning a record number of caps during this period.
Cardiff RFC Holmes spent his entire rugby union career with Cardiff RFC, making 214 appearances and scoring 142 tries. His tenure at Cardiff was marked by significant successes, including winning the Welsh Cup in 1981, 1982, and 1984, with finals appearances in 1977 and 1985. Holmes served as the club captain for the 1984-85 season, leading his team with distinction.
Wales National Team Holmes was thrust into the international spotlight at the age of 21, taking over the scrum-half position for Wales following the legendary Gareth Edwards. He made his debut against Australia in 1978, scoring a try in his first match. Holmes was a key player in the Triple Crown-winning side of 1979 and earned a total of 25 caps, scoring 9 tries for Wales. He also captained the national team for five matches in 1985.
British and Irish Lions Holmes represented the British and Irish Lions on their tours to South Africa in 1980 and New Zealand in 1983. Despite injuries that cut both tours short, he made a lasting impression with his performances, including a memorable Test match against New Zealand in 1983.
Transition to Rugby League In late 1985, Holmes made a high-profile switch to rugby league, joining Bradford Northern for a significant fee. Despite his promising start, injuries limited his impact, and he played 40 games, scoring 9 tries before retiring in 1987. Holmes was part of Bradford Northern’s squad in the 1987 Yorkshire Cup Final.
Coaching Career and Later Life After retiring from playing, Holmes transitioned into coaching, taking roles at Cardiff RFC and later Caerphilly rugby union teams. He resigned from his coaching position at Caerphilly in 2002 due to business commitments.Legacy Terry Holmes is remembered as one of the most physical and dynamic scrum-halves of his era. His ability to score close-range tries and his leadership on the field made him a standout player in both rugby union and rugby league. His induction into the Cardiff RFC Hall of Fame is a testament to his significant contributions to the sport.