Welsh rugby is mourning the loss of one of its most important figures following the passing of Brian Jones, affectionately known as ‘Mr Newport’, at the age of 89.
A towering presence in the sport for over half a century, Jones dedicated his life to his beloved Newport RFC, serving as a player, captain, coach, chairman, and most recently, president.
Jones made 330 appearances for the Black and Ambers and was a member of the sides that beat Australia in 1957 and New Zealand in 1963.
That famous win against the All Blacks, their only defeat of a 36-game tour, completed a hat-trick of successes against southern hemisphere sides for the centre after he also beat South Africa with the Barbarians in 1960.
Jones, born in Cwmcarn in 1935, first pulled on the Black & Amber jersey in December 1953 in a 25-0 win over Harlequins. His passion for the club was immediate and enduring.
“I can still remember it vividly,” he said last year. “I had played for the United against Llanharan on October 10 – my 18th birthday. Soon, due to injuries in the first team, I made my debut. Ken Jones was captain but on that Saturday he was scoring for Wales to beat the All Blacks. Six games later I was playing against them for Newport.”
It would be a decade later, in 1963, that Jones etched his name into the club’s folklore by helping Newport secure a historic 3-0 victory over the touring New Zealand All Blacks — the only defeat of their 36-game tour.
“Instead of coming with the ball, Dick (Uzzell) turns back inside and makes one of the very few drop goals he’d ever done in his life,” Jones recalled. “We were defending the clubhouse end at the end of the game, and when the final whistle went Dick jumps on my back and says, ‘you’ve done it you old bugger, you’ve done it’.”
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That triumph completed a unique treble. Jones had previously played in Newport’s 11-0 win over Australia in 1957 and was part of the Barbarians team that defeated South Africa 6-0 in 1960.
“I got a call from a Western Mail reporter a few days before the game and he said, ‘do you realise if you win on Wednesday, you will be only the second Welsh player to beat New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in Wales?’ I said, ‘no pressure then’.”
Jones’ international career included two caps for Wales in 1960, debuting in a 10-9 victory over Ireland in Dublin and finishing in a loss to France in Cardiff. Though brief, his time on the international stage coincided with a golden period in his playing career.
He also featured for Crawshays, Monmouthshire, Tredegar — where he set a club points record in the 1964–65 season — and Devonport Services during his National Service in the Royal Navy, playing for Devon in the County Championship and at Twickenham in the Inter-Services competition.
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Jones' versatility shone in sevens rugby too, where he helped Newport claim the first-ever Snelling Sevens in 1954, later repeating the feat in 1959, 1961, and 1962. His final try in Newport colours came in 1967, with his last appearance in April 1968, bringing his tally to 330 matches and 102 tries.
But it was his contribution off the pitch that cemented his legendary status. After retiring, Jones guided Newport to a draw against the 1966 Wallabies and coached them to the Welsh Championship in 1968–69, including a win over the Springboks that season.
His roles as secretary, chairman, and eventually club president from 2019 underscored his lifelong commitment to the club.
“Brian was a man who kept standards high at the club at all times and who championed Newport around the world. He was a giant figure in Welsh rugby for more than 50 years with a Black & Amber heart,” said Newport chairman Mark Workman. “You name it, he did it at the club – and loved every minute of it.”
Jones never saw himself as a legend but took immense pride in the sense of community Newport RFC represented.
“I would like to think that Newport Rugby Club is a family, whether a player, administrator, member or supporter,” he said. “I consider everyone to be the Black and Amber family, and I’ve felt that since day one when I was playing.”
That sentiment was echoed by the club, who paid a heartfelt tribute:
“Brian has been a massive part of our club since making his debut in 1953 and one of the greatest rugby men of a generation... Brian’s footprint is etched into the fabric of Newport RFC, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and listen to him recall past glories. It certainly is the end of an era."
The WRU also extended its condolences, acknowledging a man who served Welsh rugby with distinction.
Brian Jones is survived by his family – Jacqueline, Lisa, Caitlan, and Stephen – and by generations of players and fans inspired by his devotion to Newport and to the game.
As Newport prepare to honour his legacy during this weekend’s Super Rygbi Cymru clash against Ebbw Vale at Rodney Parade, the Black & Ambers will carry the memory of a true great into their future.
Brian James Jones: Wales Cap No. 651. Born October 10, 1935 – Died April 6, 2025.
