Warrington Wolves are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Glyn Shaw on 10^th May. Glyn, who had been ill for some time was 71.

Glyn Shaw is possibly the only player to have two Warrington Heritage Numbers. It is thought that Glyn played as a triallist in the second row for Warrington on 23^rd August 1974. The Wire lost at home to St Helens that day 16 – 10 and the “unknown” triallist earned the Heritage Number 757.

Born on 11^th April 1951 in Rhigos, Glyn was educated at Cwmddulais Secondary School and started off in rugby union with Seven Sisters.

After being capped at Youth level as a second row, Glyn Shaw joined Neath RUFC in 1970 and soon made his mark, making a try-scoring debut in a 26 - 3 win over the West Wales. He rapidly established himself in the exceptionally powerful Neath pack of the time.

Glyn was capped by Wales ‘B’ in 1971 and earned his first Full Wales cap in 1972 against New Zealand. He went on to win 12 Welsh caps, displacing the revered Charlie Faulkner to break up the Pontypool front row.

Blessed with remarkable strength, energy and speed, Glyn Shaw was a prop ahead of his time with his exceptional mobility. Highlighted at Pontypool when he caught a kick off and ran through the entire bemused home pack and raced to score at the posts.

He was elected captain of Neath RFC in 1977/78 but succumbed to the charms of rugby league in November of that season and joined Widnes RLFC. He made a successful transition up north where he became a double international, representing both Wales and Great Britain. He went on to make 140 appearances for Widnes in four years, scoring 18 tries.

With his trademark headband, the no-nonsense, mobile prop played tough and aggressive in a front row featuring compatriot Jim Mills. They were good days for the Cup Kings and Glyn collected a drawer full of medals of every kind in Chemics colours.

In that time at Naughton Park he won Challenge Cup twice, the 1980 Premiership Final, the Lancashire Cup twice and the John Player Trophy once.

After four seasons at Widnes Glyn was transferred to Wigan in November 1981 for £25,000. He played 63 games for Wigan in a three-year stint at Central Park.

In November 1984 Warrington paid £4,000 to Wigan for Glyn’s services. He made his debut for Warrington on 25 November 1984, in a 18-12 defeat to Oldham at Wilderspool.

Glyn, who has the Heritage Number 848 played 21 matches for the Wire scoring two tries.

He played his last match for Warrington on 3 November 1985, in a 32-18 win over Leeds at Wilderspool.

In February 1986 Glyn moved to Rochdale Hornets, he had been on the transfer list at £5,000. He finished his career with Rochdale Hornets in the 1985/86 season, playing eight times and scoring one try.

His business interests kept him in Widnes, but he regularly returned for Neath for players re-unions and was honoured to be accepted into the Neath Rugby Supporters’ Club “Hall of Fame”.

Warrington Wolves pass on their condolences to Glyn’s family and friends.

Obituary: Glyn Shaw