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Huw S. Thomas: Ray Gravell

A good friend of mine, Vincent Davies, a woodcutter and farmer from Llandovery, decided in 1987 to take his first trip abroad – to the inaugural World Cup.

It was a huge decision to make for a 64-year-old who had rarely travelled further than Carmarthen, had never flown but had always been a keen rugby fan and particularly of the All Blacks and Springboks.

I made the arrangements for Vince through Gullivers Travels but come the day of departure, it took an almighty amount of persuasion to get Vince to go on the trip such was his sudden apprehension and lack of confidence in embarking for the other side of the world.

He feared that he would never see Wales again, would die in a foreign field, far from land he farmed at Llether just outside Llandovery, but no sooner on the bus that took him to London and the flight to New Zealand, his fears were allayed.

For it was Grav that was to accompany the Gullivers Welsh supporters tour and from their very first meeting on that bus, Grav immediately took Vince to his heart and under his wing.

He talked, whispered, encouraged, cajoled the beret-wearing woodcutter to enjoy himself  – always in Welsh as both Grav and Vince were more comfortable in what they both considered to be “God’s language.”

Wherever they went on their tour of Australia and New Zealand, Grav made sure that Vince was never alone and they would enjoy a quiet pint in bar, pub, hotel or restaurant at the end of a long day.

They talked of rugby and of Wales, the Welsh, of farming, the landscape, the old customs and traditions, of chapel and church, happy to be in each other’s warm yet somewhat unlikely company.

Grav would introduce Vince to some of the greats of the game: Phil Bennett, Clem Thomas, Derek Quinnell, Peer Wheeler, Gordon Brown and Moss Keane – proud that he had befriended this unique character.

Vince – in his hob-nailed boots, black beret and near-working clothes – became a celebrity in his own right as he went around Australasia with his new and wonderful friend.

Come the end of the tour both men shed tears of farewell and it was years before they met up again.

It was at Stradey Park where I had gone along with Vince to see a 1991 World Cup game between Argentina and Australia.

And who was walking towards us outside the ground before kick-off but Grav accompanied by top BBC man Dewi Griffiths.

Tears swelled in Grav’s eyes as he hugged Vince – still wearing exactly the same hob nailed boots, beret and near working clothes – before turning to Dewi and introducing the BBC producer to his friend.

Dewi, I’d like you to meet one of my best friends Vince – the greatest rugby tourist I’ve ever known – you really must make a programme on this man.”

Let these words from Vince be a lasting monument to Grav himself:

“His humility, uncomplicated generosity of spirit and compete openness come along so rarely even in rugby men. He was a wonderful ambassador for his country wherever he went.

“I cherished his friendship and although we met upon no more than half a dozen times, dear old Ray was always in my thoughts. Life is so unfair, I should have gone long before him but I’m sure we will meet up again in that great grandstand in the sky.”

Vincent Davies (in 2007, aged 84) still lived at his farm near Llandovery.

Memory added on February 11, 2021

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