Former Wales international Geoff Wheel has passed away at the age of 73, it has been announced.
Wheel was an iconic figure in Welsh rugby in the 1970s and early 1980s, winning 32 caps for his country, winning three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams in the process.
The news was confirmed by his former club Swansea RFC, who claimed his motor neuron disease ‘has not prevented him from attending matches’ so far this season.
In a touching message to one of their greatest former players, Swansea revealed Wheel passed away in the early hours of Boxing Day, Thursday December 26.
A Swansea RFC statement said: ‘Jeff was a player and person who was loved and respected by all who knew him.’
‘A fearsome competitor on the pitch, in private Geoff was a gentle, shy and thoughtful man who devoted himself to the club from 1970 to 1983, serving twice as captain and player and as an All Whites Former for many years. The AWFPA Committee was there at the time when he passed the AWFPA presidency.’
Welsh rugby legend Geoff Wheel (third right, red shirt) has passed away at the age of 73.
Wheel (competing in the lineout) has been part of two Grand Slam winning Welsh teams and has also won four Triple Crowns.
The statement added: ‘Jeff’s two seasons as Swansea captain have been very successful for the club. In 1979-80 they won the Western Mail Championship, Sunday Telegraph Anglo-Welsh Championship, Daily Mail Anglo-Welsh Championship, Sunday Telegraph Team of the Season and were WRU National Sevens winners.
‘Swansea retained the Sunday Telegraph title the following season under Geoff’s captaincy and also won the Whitbread Merit Table.
‘In general, Geoff has always remained a humble man and the whole team has been the beneficiary of this approach.’
In Wales, Wheel went on a 15-game unbeaten run between January 1975 and March 1978.
In fact, the former lock holds the dubious record of being the first player to be sent off in a Five Nations match, along with Ireland’s Willie Duggan, with both receiving their marching orders at the same time.
Wheel spoke warmly of Duggan and, according to Swansea RFC, even left the field shaking hands with his Irish counterpart.
Another on-field clash for an iconic photo. Wheel faced Britain’s Bill Beaumont.
However, despite their fierce rivalry, the two were on good terms, having a quick drink together after the match, with Wheel considering the image did not fully capture the spirit of the gameplay.
Wheel (fourth right, back row) won three Five Nations titles during his national service.
One of Wheel’s most iconic moments came in 1980 when he faced Britain’s Bill Beaumont.
He was also the first Welshman to be sent off in an international match, and in addition to the Grand Slam and Triple Crown, Wheel was part of the Welsh team that won the Five Nations titles three times during his ‘golden era’. .
His partnership in the engine room of the Welsh pack with Aberavon’s Allan Martin was particularly fruitful and crucial to their team’s period of success.
Wheel, affectionately known as Gaffa, played with Martin 27 times on the international stage.
Swansea RFC Chairman Stan Addicott said: ‘Geoff was respected and much loved by everyone at Swansea Rugby Club. I had the privilege of working as his club coach for seven years from the mid-70s to the mid-80s.
‘His whole-hearted and passionate yet charming and humorous personality endeared him to the players, and he often shared his musical talents on the accordion and ukulele after matches with the club’s supporters.
‘He was certainly one of the great figures of Welsh rugby and will be greatly missed as a family member, player and friend to many.’
A minute’s silence will be observed ahead of Swansea RFC’s next game against Aberavon on December 28.
