Welsh International and British Lion, TonyO’Connor was as sharp on the field as off, and will be remembered by thoseclose to him as being a generous warm-hearted family man. After battling withthe rare degenerative condition, Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy, Tony sadly passed away on the 22nd of May 2015, aged 81.

Tony grew up within the shadows of Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic stadium and went
onto become one of their most famous stars.

Before doing so he moved to study atBristol University, where his sharpness of mind earned him a first classhonours degree and PhD in Physics. He then enjoyed working closely, at Oxford University, with Dr. Dorothy Hodgkin, who herself was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, developing the work they had embarked upon specializing in X ray crystallography.

Tony was always able to balance academic rigor, with the necessary dedication required to excel at sport, and went onto get his ‘Oxford Blue’, as well as touring with the combined varsity rugby team
to Japan.

After marrying his wife Ann, he returned to a metallurgy research post with the British Steel Corporation in Port Talbot. He remained with BSC until retirement, becoming one of their leading lights in improving their environmental footprint.

He captained the Wizards, and was part of their most successful side that won the Western Mail, unofficial Welsh championship in 1960-61. He enjoyed joining forces with neighbours Neath, to take on touring teams from South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.

On the day he was picked for his first Welsh Cap against South Africa in 1960, his former Duffryn Grammer school announced an unprecedented half-day as means of celebration.

Terry Davies, who was captain when Tony won his first cap, said “ He was a lovely gentleman, very unassuming but one of the top scrum halves of his era.”

His performances over the next couple of seasons for Wales, resulted in the highlight of his rugby career, his selection for the British Lions tour of South Africa in 1962. Tours back then went on for 3 or 4 months, with matches against many provincial sides, as well as the tests. He impressed with his speed of pass, but also his ability to read the
game so quickly, as to seem a step ahead of the opposition.

The Family moved to Porthcawl, where Tony found another outlet for his competitive nature at the prestigious Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. He thoroughly enjoyed his membership years at this famous Links, none more so than when he captained the club in 1987.

Tony passed on his competitive nature and love of sport to his three sons and nine grandchildren. They continue to be proud of his achievements both on and off the pitch but also remember him as being a kind hearted, fun loving, and ever optimistic man.