Rugby world pays tribute to Cliff Morgan who died aged 83
ByThe Courier Reporter
Cliff Morgan has been described as a rugby union “superstar” and sports broadcasting “pioneer” following his death at the age of 83.
Tributes poured in for the former Wales fly-half who died after a long illness.
Morgan won 29 caps for his country during an international career that included a Five Nations Grand Slam, being part of a victorious Wales team against New Zealand and representing the British and Irish Lions.
But he also enjoyed considerable success as a broadcaster with the BBC, working as head of outside broadcasts for radio and then TV, when events under his remit included football World Cups, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and many ceremonial national occasions.
Morgan’s most famous game, though, arguably came when he commentated on the Barbarians v New Zealand match in 1973, which included his unforgettable description of possibly the greatest try ever scored when Gareth Edwards completed a stunning length-of-the-field move.
Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said his commentary that day “was sublime in its simplicity and will be remembered for many years to come”.
Rugby world pays tribute to Cliff Morgan who died aged 83