Born in Brynamman in August, 1948, Jones arrived in Leicester in 1969 and was one of two newcomers at training on his first day. The other one was future England and British & Irish Lions hooker Peter Wheeler.
As well as playing in more than 300 games for the midlanders over a nine year period, he then went on to work as a match commentator for BBC Radio Leicester covering Tigers’ matches for more than 30 years.
As a player he was good enough to play against the 1972-73 All Blacks for Midland Counties (East) and he also had the distinction of playing in Leicester’s first English Cup final team in 1978 when they lost 6-3 at Twickenham to Gloucester. After that he was able to commentate on five Heineken Cup finals and every Premiership final involving the Tigers.
“Bleddyn was such a lovely man, one of the nicest you could ever wish to meet, and he was part of this club for such a long time,” said Leicester Tigers chairman, Peter Tom.
“After arriving at the club totally unannounced as a young man, he established himself at fly-half and barely missed a game for the next nine years. “Then, of course, that wonderful Welsh voice became a central part of matchdays as a radio commentator.
“Bleddyn had a huge number of friends within the game, which speaks volumes for his character, and everyone at the club is deeply saddened to hear of his passing. On behalf of players, staff and supporters, I send the Tigers’ very deepest condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.”
Jones arrived in Leicester after taking up a teaching post in the city in 1969. He taught at Humberstone Junior School and was then headmaster at Little Bowden until retirement in 2005.
