John Mantle (rugby)

John Mantle (born 13 March 1942) is a Welsh former dual-code international rugby player. He was capped for Wales at rugby union, and Great Britain, and Wales in rugby league.

Rugby career

Mantle began his rugby career at a young age, playing for the Wales School team. As an adult he played with Bargoed before switching to first class team Newport. While representing Newport, Mantle was selected for his two Welsh rugby union caps. His first was when he was selected as part of the touring Wales team to Africa. Mantle played in the early games of the tour, including wins over East Africa in Nairobi and Boland at Wellington. His first international was against South Africa in Durban in 1964, but Wales were outclassed and lost 24-3 in a one-sided match. Mantle played in the later games on the tour, including matches against Northern Transvaal and Orange Free State. On his return he played one final game in a win over England, at the Cardiff Arms Park as part of the 1963 Five Nations Championship.

Mantle may have won more caps for Wales, but 'Went North', switching to the professional rugby league code when he joined St. Helens in 1964. He would later play for the Great Britain rugby league team. Mantle also travelled with St Helens to Sydney for the unofficial 1976 World Club Challenge match against their champions, Eastern Suburbs Roosters.

He was coach of the Cardiff City Blue Dragons.

International games played

Wales rugby union^[3]

•  England 1964
•  South Africa 1964

Bibliography

• Thomas, Wayne (1979). A Century of Welsh Rugby Players. Ansells Ltd. 
• Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3. 

References

External links

• International Statistics at englandrl.co.uk
• Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org
• Profile at saints.org.uk
• Aussies win in London
• Waite makes his Australia debut
• Welsh convert XIII