Clive Burgess

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Clive Burgess
Personal information
Full name	Robert Clive Burgess
Date of birth	1950-11-25
Place of birth	Manmoel, Caerphilly
Date of death	2006-05-02
Place of death	Ebbw Vale
Nickname	Budgie, Animal, The Steel Claw
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position	Number 8, Flanker
National team(s)		Caps	(points)
1977-1982	Wales	9

Clive Burgess (born Robert Clive Burgess on 25 November 1950) was an International rugby union flanker who played for Wales during 1977-1982. Burgess was a popular player who had many nicknames some of which were Budgie, Animal and The Steel Claw thanks to his fearless nature and rugged appearance. He played his club rugby for Ebbw Vale RFC, Croesyceiliog RFC and Brescia Rugby

Burgess is unusual as he first started playing rugby at the age of 20 after leaving the Merchant Navy. This did not prevent him from being capped by the Wales B team. His first match came against Ireland in 1977^[1][2], he was a key member of the 1977 Triple Crown winning side and on his recall from the international wilderness in 1981, was promptly voted Welsh Player of the Year. He was toughted for his phenomenal mauling strength and won nine caps between 1977 and 1982 after making a try-scoring debut against Ireland. Born in Manmoel on 25 November 1950, Robert Clive Burgess joined Ebbw Vale from Croesyceiliog RFC and was a superb servant to the Eugene Cross Park club, for whom he made more than 200 appearances, before finishing his career in Italy with Brescia.

Former Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Lewis said,

“

Whenever you saw his name on the team sheet you knew you had a chance of winning any game. He was a tower of strength at Ebbw Vale and his mauling capabilities were legendary.

”

Burgess passed away on the second of May 2006 leaving behind a widow and two daughters.

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