Cliff Morgan – our patron
Cliff Morgan – Patron of Ventnor RFC
Ventnor Rugby Club is indeed fortunate to boast Cliff Morgan as its long-standing patron.
Now living in Bembridge on the east point of the Island, Cliff enjoys his deserved retirement after two brilliantly successful careers – one as a international rugby player and another as a broadcaster.
Born in 1930 in the Rhondda Valley, Cliff Morgan joined Cardiff Rugby Club straight from school, playing at fly-half. He won his first cap against Ireland in 1951 playing opposite his own hero, Jack Kyle. He was an essential part of the 1952 Grand Slam winning Welsh side but perhaps is best remembered for his mercurial efforts for the British and Irish Lions on the tour to South Africa in 1955.
South Africa just did not lose to touring teams – and had not for over fifty years – but they met with a force beyond their experience in the form of Morgan and his brilliant marshalling of a hugely talented backline that included Jeff Butterfield and Tony O’Reilly. Despite being reduced to fourteen men in the first test through an injury to Reg Higgins (no substitutes in those days), the Lions prevailed by 23 -22. The highlight of this victory was Morgan’s try that featured both his trademarks – searing acceleration and an arcing outside break.
After losing the second test, Morgan took over the captaincy of the team following an injury to Robin Thompson. Inspiring the team with his leadership, Morgan controlled the third test with his line kicking and the Lions prevailed with a 9 – 6 victory that meant the series could not be lost. Even the usually begrudging local papers were forced to admit that they were witnessing genius in the flesh and dubbed the new skipper ‘Morgan the Magnificent’. Unfortunately for the Lions, Morgan suffered an ankle injury prior to the final test and, although he soldiered on through the match, the game was lost and the series drawn.
On his return he was made captain of Wales but retired from the game in 1958.
He immediately joined BBC Wales and, with his humour, charm and expressive speaking style, he worked for both ITV and the BBC in front of the microphone and camera as well as behind the editor’s desk.
He will always be remembered for his commentary of the famous Barbarians – All Black match in 1973 where his flowing style and descriptive phrase managed to enhance a wonderful exhibition of attacking rugby.
He was also one of the original team captains (opposite Henry Cooper) on the long-running TV quiz, A Question of Sport. He retired from BBC Television in 1987 having risen to the ranks of Head of Sport and Outside Broadcasts.
When the International Rugby Hall of Fame was created in 1997, he was among the inaugural inductees – alongside his Lions contemporary Tony O’Reilly. For his contribution to broadcasting, he was honoured with the OBE and CVO
