Former Wales lock Geoff Wheel dies aged 73 after MND battle

Former Wales forward Geoff Wheel has died at the age of 73, his former club Swansea have announced.

Wheel won 32 caps for Wales during the 1970s and 1980s, winning three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams. The lock was part of a Wales side that went unbeaten in 15 international matches between January 1975 and March 1978.

Wheel had suffered from motor neurone disease for several years but had continued to attend games at St Helen’s.

Champions Cup best SA XV not in SA teams | RPTV

Robbie Fleck and Nick Mallett pick their best South African XV playing in the Champions Cup, but not in South African teams. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Champions Cup best SA XV not in SA teams | RPTV

Robbie Fleck and Nick Mallett pick their best South African XV playing in the Champions Cup, but not in South African teams. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Swansea club president Stan Addicott said: “Geoff was respected and much loved by all at Swansea Rugby Club. I had the privilege to be his club coach for seven years from the mid-seventies to mid-eighties.

“His wholehearted, fiery, yet engaging and humorous nature endeared him to his players, while he often shared his musical talent on the accordion and ukulele post matches with club supporters.

“He was certainly one of the great characters of his time in Welsh rugby and will be greatly missed as a family man, player and friend to many people.”