Arthur Lewis: Rugby Legend Passes Away in His Home Country
- The sporting world is mourning the death of one of the legends in rugby, Arthur Lewis, who died in his home country
- The former Wales and British & Irish Lions player passed away at the age of 84 in the course of this week
- The news about Lewis' death sparked loads of tributes from rugby lovers and others on social media
Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!
The rugby community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of former Wales and British & Irish Lions legend Arthur Lewis, who has died at the age of 84 in his home country, Wales.
Source: Getty Images
Lewis began his rugby journey with Crumlin RFC before establishing himself as a standout player for Ebbw Vale during one of the club’s most successful eras in Welsh rugby.
He formed a celebrated midfield partnership with the late Wales and Lions icon John Dawes, earning widespread admiration for their combination in the centres. Across his international career, Lewis represented Wales on 11 occasions and scored his lone try against England in the 1973 Five Nations Championship.
The South African rugby community recently lost former player Russell Nelson, and also a young player who died during training.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
Lions Rugby announces Lewis' death
Lions Rugby took to their official Facebook page on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to announce Lewis's death and pay tribute to him.
"A tribute to former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Arthur Lewis, who has sadly passed away at the age of 84 🕊️," the rugby institution's statement reads.
Fans mourn the death of Lewis
Loads of rugby fans worldwide joined Lions Rugby in paying last respect and mourning the death of Lewis on social media.
Source: Getty Images
Martin Linnell shared:
"I bottled out of a tackle once. He was running at me so fast I just knew he was going to run straight through me, knees up. 😉 Goodbye, fella.😪"
Neil Milkins said:
"So sad. Below is a photo I took of Mike D'Arbo of Manfred Mann with Crumlin rugby legend Arthur Lewis at Crumlin Rugby Club on 15 February 2019."
Irene Heakin mentioned:
"I watched him playing for Ebbw Vale, a great clubman, as well as playing for Wales, the Barbarians and the British Lions."
Katt Sellen wrote:
"What a guy, the best has his lamp checks and strike badges of 84/85.x god bless. X"
Martin Reese reacted:
"RIP Asia, loved the chats, a legend and a gentleman. Condolences to Kath and the family."
Peter Davies commented:
"One of the most intelligent players I’ve had the pleasure of seeing in his prime. Great on the crash ball. RIP 🥲🙏."
Ian Bolan added:
"That's rugby losing three players in a week, Lewis, MJK, Smith, Scott Hastings, sad week for rugby."
Ex-Sharks rugby star dies at 31
Briefly News earlier reported that a former Sharks Rugby star has passed on after battling a health condition for over a decade.
The 31-year-old rugby player later reportedly lost his life two weeks after battling pneumonia, leaving behind his parents and siblings.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
