Graham Price

Graham Price

Graham Price was born on November 24th, 1951

Full Name: Graham Derek Price
Birthplace: Egypt
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Occupation: Rugby player
Position: Prop
National Team: Wales national rugby union team
Club: Newport RFC, Neath RFC
Caps: 15 caps for Wales

A rugby player who represented Egypt and Wales, known for being the first player of African descent to play for Wales.

Written by: Emma Thompson Emma Thompson

Graham Price: The Rugby Icon Behind the Legendary Front Row

Graham Price, a former Welsh rugby union player, is best known for his membership in the iconic Pontypool RFC front row, dubbed the "Viet Gwent." With a record-breaking 12 caps for the British and Irish Lions and 41 caps for Wales, Price cemented his place in rugby history as one of the greatest prop forwards of all time.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 24, 1951, in Moascar, Egypt, Price was raised in Pontypool, Wales, where he attended West Monmouth School. He went on to study civil engineering at UWIST, part of the University of Wales in Cardiff, laying the foundation for a successful career both on and off the pitch.

Rugby Career

Pontypool and the Viet Gwent

Price joined Pontypool RFC after leaving school, quickly becoming an integral part of the team as a tighthead prop. Alongside Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner, he formed the legendary front row, immortalized in song by Max Boyce as the "Viet Gwent." This dominant front row was the driving force behind Pontypool's success, earning them a place in rugby folklore.

Wales Caps and Grand Slams

Price made his debut for the Wales national rugby union team in 1975, scoring a try in his first match against France at the Parc des Princes in Paris. This impressive start led to two Grand Slam victories in 1976 and 1978, solidifying Wales' position as a force to be reckoned with in international rugby.

British and Irish Lions

In 1977, Price toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions, playing a record 12 successive tests as a prop. During this tour, the Viet Gwent front row dominated, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Price's career was not without its challenges, however, including a broken jaw suffered during a test match against Australia, which required him to eat liquidized food for six weeks and wear dentures for several months.

Legacy and Honors

Graham Price's contributions to rugby earned him an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to the sport. His impressive career statistics and dedication to the sport have inspired generations of rugby players, cementing his place as one of the greatest props in rugby history.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Away from the pitch, Price has remained humble and dedicated to his community. His educational background in civil engineering has served him well, and he has gone on to lead a successful career in the construction industry.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

"They will never believe it in Pontypool" – Nigel Starmer-Smith, BBC commentator, on Price's try against France in 1975

Impact on Modern Society

Graham Price's legacy extends beyond the rugby pitch, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance. His commitment to his community and educational pursuits serves as a shining example of the importance of balancing sport and personal development.

Timeline
1975
Born in Egypt
Graham Price was born on August 24, 1975, in Cairo, Egypt. He would go on to become a rugby player for Wales.
1997
Debut for Wales
Price made his debut for the Wales national rugby union team in 1997, starting a long and successful career.
2001
Won Five Nations Championship
Price was part of the Wales team that won the Five Nations Championship in 2001.
2005
Retired from International Rugby
After a successful career, Price retired from international rugby in 2005.
2015
Inducted into the Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame
Price was inducted into the Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Graham Price

Graham Price Quiz

Graham Price was a rugby player who represented which two countries?

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FAQ
What is Graham Prices rugby career?
Graham Price is an Egyptian-Welsh rugby player, who played as a prop forward for the Wales national rugby union team and the British and Irish Lions.
What is Graham Prices most notable rugby achievement?
Graham Price was part of the Wales team that won the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1971, and also played in the British and Irish Lions victorious tour of New Zealand in 1971.
What is Graham Prices post-playing career?
After retiring from rugby, Graham Price went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur, involved in various ventures including property development and hospitality.
What is Graham Prices involvement in rugby administration?
Graham Price has been involved in various rugby administration roles, including serving as President of the Welsh Rugby Union and as a member of the International Rugby Board.
Is Graham Price still involved in rugby?
Yes, Graham Price remains involved in rugby, attending matches and events, and sharing his expertise and insights as a respected figure in the sport.

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