Wales and Pontypool rugby great Charlie Faulkner has died aged 81.
The news will cause great sadness across the sport, with the former mainstay on the loose known as one of the great characters in the game.
He rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the legendary Pontypool front row alongside Bobby Windsor and Graham Price. The trio gained worldwide fame, known for their on-field prowess when the three toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1977, as well as their off-field exploits.
Faulkner made 19 appearances for Wales between 1975 and 1979 as part of sides that won four Five Nations titles during that period, including two Grand Slams.
Charlie’s attitude towards wrestling was expressed in his mantra “up, down, inside out, anywhere but the back”.
He arrived late for Test Rugby, failing to reach the age of 34, amid widespread uncertainty amongst the public and Welsh selectors about his true age.
But there was no doubt about what he could do on the field.
Making his debut as one of six new caps, he helped Wales beat France for the first time away from home in 24 years.
And he gained immense respect for his scrum and his ability to withstand pressure.
Pontypool chairman Pete Jeffries paid tribute, saying: “He was a true legend for our club and for Welsh rugby, but also an absolute gentleman. A really nice guy who everyone loved and spoke highly of.”
“I was watching the Slammed 70s documentary on TV and it was clear how he, Graham Price and Bobby Windsor came in and helped to strengthen Wales.
“Legend is a word used a lot in sports, but not in Charlie’s case. He was a true legend of our game.
“This is very, very sad news, especially for Eddie Butler, another of our great players.”
Jeffries, Pontypool and Welsh rugby in general would like to extend their condolences to Faulkner’s family and close friends.
Anthony George Faulkner was born in Newport in 1941.
During rugby he was known as Charlie.
He started rugby at the senior stage in the Cross Keys before moving to Pontypool and forming the so-called Viet Gwent with Windsor and Price.
While defenders such as Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JP Williams enjoyed much of the limelight during Faulkner’s golden age, the trio’s contribution at the wing was vital to Wales’ success as part of a group that provided a platform for the big names to shine.
After training as a player, Faulkner moved into coaching.
Its type is not often found.
Share your memories of Charlie and pay tribute to him below.
Source: Wales Online
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
