Better known as ‘Dr Jack’, he captained Cardiff Medicals from 1941 until 1945 before going onto to gain 17 caps for Wales and 6 for the British Lions.

Born in Bridgend in 1920, Dr Jack also played first class rugby for Cardiff and Newport and was a sporting legend in the truest sense. Not only was he one on rugby’s greats forming an unforgettable partnership with Bleddyn Williams in Wales and Lions centre, but he also fought boxing legend Rocky Marciano, famously holding the unbeaten fighter to a draw.

After retiring from rugby Dr Jack, a general practitioner by trade, continued his contributions to sport professionally by becoming the medical officer to the Welsh Boxing Association and team doctor for the 1980 British Lions tour of South Africa.

This team, captained by Dr Jack Matthews OBE, famously beat Cardiff RFC 23-22 at Cardiff Arms Park
A huge supporter of the club, Dr Jack will be sorely missed by everyone at Cardiff Medicals RFC, and will always be remembered as Cardiff Medicals’ finest player and gentleman.

On behalf of everybody at the club, we would like to send our deepest condolences to his son Peter, and to all of the Matthews family.

Rest in peace Dr Jack .

“I have wonderful memories of my days studying at Cardiff Medical School and for playing for the Meds RFC! The camaraderie was special, we worked hard, and played with passion and pride for the college we were so proud to study at and to represent.

Although rugby has changed and evolved over the generations, its been fantastic to witness that the Meds still represent everything that is good in Welsh rugby.

I was recently elected to the Cardiff University RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ but as I pointed out to them – I was never anything to do with the University, I was a Cardiff Med and will always be a Cardiff Med.”

March 2009