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Tributes to rugby legend Gravell Tributes to rugby legend Gravell
(about 2 hours later)
Wales is mourning the death of the rugby legend and BBC presenter Ray Gravell. Tributes are being paid to the Wales rugby legend and BBC presenter Ray Gravell, who had died at the age of 56.
The former Wales and Lions centre was taken ill yesterday while on holiday in Spain. He was 56. The former Wales and Lions centre had a suspected heart attack on Wednesday while on holiday in Spain.
Gravell won 23 caps for his country and made the 1980 Lions tour to South Africa, playing in all four Tests. Gravell from near Llanelli, won 23 caps and was on the 1972 Scarlets side that famously beat the All Blacks.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan paid tribute to him as a "brave" man on and off the pitch and a "fantastic, extrovert character." He acted in films and on television, and was keeper of the ceremonial sword at the National Eisteddfod until earlier this year.
Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, said he would be a "tremendous loss to the cultural and sporting life of this nation". Wales great Gareth Edwards said: "It's a very sad day but when I look back and think of Ray Gravell I'll remember the joy and immense pleasure he gave us."
After finishing playing rugby, Gravell carved out a new career as a broadcaster and an actor in both the English and Welsh languages. Ray Gravell with daughters at in his street which was named after him
He died of a suspected heart attack. He is survived by wife Mari and daughters Gwennan and Manon. The Welsh Rugby Union have paid tribute to Ray Gravell "as a man who epitomised the passion, flair and dignity of his beloved Welsh nation". First Minister Rhodri Morgan paid tribute to him as a "brave" man on and off the pitch and BBC colleague Roy Noble said the news was a "body blow".
Mr Morgan expressed his sadness for Gravell's family. After hanging up his boots, he carved out a career as a broadcaster and an actor - appearing in Louis Malle's Damage alongside Juliette Binoche and Jeremy Irons.
Famous famed for his patriotism and passion for all things Welsh, he is survived by wife Mari and daughters Gwennan and Manon.
Mr Morgan said Gravell was "brave" during his rugby career and also earlier this year when he had his right leg amputated below the knee following complications linked with his diabetes.
"On the field he was one of those centres of whom you'd always say he'd tackle a German tank if it were playing for the other side," he said.
Gravell carved out a second career as a broadcasterGravell carved out a second career as a broadcaster
He said he was "brave" during his rugby career and also earlier this year when he had his right leg amputated below the knee following complications linked with his diabetes. "And then the bravery he'd been showing more recently now when he had to face the amputation problem and the illness which led to the amputation."
"He was one of those centres who would tackle a tank if it played for the other side," he said. Gravell's BBC Radio Wales colleague Roy Noble said: : "Last night when I heard it was a body blow that's very difficult to come to terms with really.
"He was an outstanding centre from an outstanding era of Welsh rugby." "I felt in Ray's problems and trials this year he'd come through it all and once the leg had been removed I thought there was a resurrection, you know.
Plaid Cymru leader Mr Jones said he was sure people would want to "reflect with sadness on Ray's passing but also to give thanks for his tremendous contribution to Wales". "There was the new Ray who was back to the passionate and pure Welshman, one of the best I've ever known, and there was a new life there."
He said: "On behalf of Plaid Cymru I would like to send our heart-felt condolences to Ray's wife, Mari and children. His bubbling enthusiasm and his big personality will be sorely missed. Something of Wales has died with him Peter Hain
"It was only recently that Ray was on the radio talking about how, as captain of Llanelli, he used to prepare speeches to deliver to the players before a match which would hopefully inspire them to win. Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, said: "Ray was passionate about his country and his passing will be a tremendous loss to the cultural and sporting life of this nation."
"Bubbling enthusiasm" BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards said that many colleagues in the Corporation were mourning Gravell's death.
"Ray wasn't just an inspiration to the Scarlets however - he was an inspiration to the entire nation. He was passionate about his family, his sport, his area, his broadcasting and his language. "Grav was unique, I think, in that he represented so many different aspects of life in Wales and I think that nobody in the BBC today, in BBC Wales, and I'm sure this is true throughout the whole of Wales, who won't take this as a personal blow, a personal bereavement and of course our profound sympathies are with Mari and the girls," she said.
"Ray was also passionate about his country and his passing will be a tremendous loss to the cultural and sporting life of this nation."
Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said: "Nobody else could express so eloquently and so passionately the essence of Welsh rugby and pride in Welshness.
"His bubbling enthusiasm and his big personality will be sorely missed. Something of Wales has died with him."
Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union David Pickering said Gravell "epitomised all the best elements" of the game.Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union David Pickering said Gravell "epitomised all the best elements" of the game.
Former Wales Captain Gareth Davies, who toured with Gravell on the Lions tour to South Africa in 1980, said he was a "once in a generation" personality.Former Wales Captain Gareth Davies, who toured with Gravell on the Lions tour to South Africa in 1980, said he was a "once in a generation" personality.