Legends of Welsh rugby awarded honorary degrees

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Swansea University has bestowed honorary degrees on Mr Alun Wyn Jones, Ospreys, Wales and British Lions second-row forward, and on Mr Dennis Gethin, President of the Welsh Rugby Union.

They were presented with their awards on Thursday 17 July during degree ceremonies at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.  

Alun Wyn Jones was born in Swansea and is a graduate of Swansea University, completing his degree in law in July 2010.  

This summer he captained the Welsh team on their tour of South Africa. At present he has 166 Ospreys caps, 80 Welsh caps, and six Lions caps.  In 2013 he led the British Lions in their final test against Australia. His iconic team talk was captured in a documentary. The Lions won that game 41-16 and secured the series win, their first since 1997.

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Picture:  Alun Wyn Jones (left) and Dennis Gethin (right) in their official Swansea University robes

Alun Wyn Jones said:

“The award is pretty special to be honest.  When I left university after a five-year degree, I thought my potential achievements going forward would have been centred around my rugby career.

But to be awarded this is special and pretty humbling.  Thus I would like to thank the University for the award.
 
I fondly remember my time at Swansea and particularly a Varsity win. In the future, knowing a career in sport doesn’t last forever, I won’t rule out returning to further my qualifications.”

Dennis Gethin was born in Seven Sisters near Neath and has managed a successful career in both rugby and in Law, graduating from Cambridge in 1967 and qualifying as a solicitor in 1971.

He was Chief Executive of Taff Ely Borough Council between 1982 and 1996.  He later took up sports administration, and became Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union, a post he held for five years until 2002. After retirement from the WRU he joined the BBC Broadcasting Council in Wales and was a member from 2004-2009.

In 2007 he was elected President of the Welsh Rugby Union, an office he continues to hold.

Highlights during his rugby career include playing against the 1963 New Zealand All Blacks and the 1966 Australian Wallabies whilst at Cambridge, and becoming record points’ scorer whilst playing for Cardiff.

Dennis Gethin said:

“Ever since I was a schoolboy at Neath Grammar School I was always aware of the great esteem that Swansea University was held in, and, as my debut in first class rugby was at Swansea RFC at St Helen’s rugby ground as a nineteen year old, I truly appreciated its superb location.

“The University has a marvellous reputation both at home and abroad and I am truly delighted at the great honour you have decided to bestow on me - it is something I will always cherish.”


Swansea honorary awardees, Summer 2014