Former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half Phil Bennett has died at the age of 73.
In a statement, his former club Scarlets confirmed the sad news: "It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of club legend, former captain and Scarlets President Phil Bennett. Phil passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening surrounded by his close family."
Born in Felinfoel, Carmarthenshire, he made his debut for the national side aged 22 and represented them from 1969 to 1978 where he won 29 caps and scored 166 points. Bennett was also a key component of the Welsh teams that won two Five Nations Grand Slams.
The former rugby star also starred for the British Lions on their historic unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974 and produced moments of magic in his 20 appearances for the Barbarians. He retired in style in by captaining his country to a second Grand Slam in three years with victory over France in his very last game.
Regarded as one of the greatest players to wear the number 10 jersey for both Wales and the Lions, Bennett's flair and range of tricks, including his famous sidestep and swerve, meant he was a firm favourite with crowds. Bennett's former Scarlets captain and Wales and Lions team-mate Delme Thomas wrote: "He was the best fly-half I have ever seen on a rugby field."
Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack added: "We are devastated by this news. Wherever the Scarlets travel around the world, people mention the name Phil Bennett. He was an icon of our sport, a rugby superstar, but someone who always remembered his roots. There was no finer ambassador of Scarlets Rugby than Phil, a player respected across the rugby world, both during his career and long after he finished playing.
"Phil was a hero and friend to so many people, not only in Llanelli and west Wales, but throughout the game and I am sure a lot of Scarlets supporters will have their own particular stories of the times they met and chatted to 'Benny'.
"He loved the club and epitomised the values we hold true — humility and pride in our community. On behalf of everyone at the Scarlets, we send our heartfelt condolences to Pat, Steven. James and all of Phil's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
After retiring, Bennett became an OBE in 1979 and was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005.
