Former Wales forward Geoff Wheel has died at the age of 73, his former club Swansea have announced.
Wheel won 32 caps for Wales during the 1970s and 1980s, winning three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams. The lock was part of a Wales side that went unbeaten in 15 international matches between January 1975 and March 1978.
Wheel had suffered from motor neurone disease for several years but had continued to attend games at St Helen’s.
Former Wales international Geoff Wheel has passed away at the age of 73, it has been announced.
Wheel was an iconic figure of the 1970s and early 1980s for Welsh rugby, winning 32 caps for his country, winning three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams along the way.
The news was confirmed by his former club, Swansea RFC, with a statement claiming that his motor neurone disease had 'not prevented him attending matches' until this season.
In a touching message to one of their great former players, Swansea stated that Wheel passed away in the early hours of Boxing Day, on Thursday December 26.
'Geoff was a player and man loved and respected by all who knew him,' a Swansea RFC statement read.
'A fearsome competitor on the field of play, Geoff was a mild mannered, shy and thoughtful person in private,committed to the club he served from 1970 to 1983, twice as captain, as a player and for many years on the All Whites Former Players Association (AWFPA) committee, being at the time of his passing the President of the AWFPA.'
WELSH rugby legend Geoff Wheel has died aged 73 after a battle with Motor Neurone disease.
Wheel was an iconic figure of the 1970s and early 1980s and won 32 caps for his country.
In a touching message to one of their great former players, Swansea RFC stated that Wheel passed away in the early hours of Boxing Day.
The statement claimed that Wheel's motor neurone disease (MND) had "not prevented him attending matches" until this season.
Motor neurone disease affects specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and causes everyday activities to become increasingly difficult or completely impossible.
The majority of those diagnosed with the disease are given a three-year life expectancy starting from when they first notice the symptoms.
Former Wales, Swansea and Barbarians lock Geoff Wheel has died at the age of 73.
Swansea RFC have confirmed the news stating Wheel had suffered from motor neurone disease for some years.
Wheel played 32 internationals for Wales between 1974 and 1982 and formed a formidable second-row partnership with Allan Martin.
Nicknamed 'Gaffa', Wheel was an unsung hero of Wales' successful sides of the 1970s and was famous for his white headband.
Rugby legend Geoff Wheel has died aged 73 after a battle with Motor Neurone disease, it was announced today (26 December). The sportsman was known for being an iconic figure in Welsh rugby, earning 32 caps for his country throughout his career.
Geoff Wheel, the former lock for Wales and Swansea RFC, has passed away at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with motor neurone disease. His death was confirmed on December 26, 2024, by Swansea RFC, which described him as a "fearsome competitor" and a beloved figure in Welsh rugby.
Wheel earned 32 caps for Wales between 1974 and 1982, contributing to three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams. He was part of an unbeaten streak of 15 international matches from 1975 to 1978 and made history in 1977 as one of the first players sent off in a Five Nations match.
Known affectionately as "Gaffa," Wheel was also recognized for his engaging personality and musical talents, often entertaining fans with his accordion and ukulele after matches. His passing has prompted tributes from teammates and fans alike, who remember him as a remarkable player and a cherished friend.
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