The acclaimed Rugby League historian Robert Gate, has described Lewis Jones as 'arguably the most devastating attacking back Wales has ever produced'. His acceleration over the first few yards was stunning, allowing him to penetrate almost any defense and enabling him in the mid 1950s to become the greatest star in the game.

Born at Gorseinon, near Swansea, in 1931 he played both Rugby Union and Cricket for Wales as a schoolboy.In 1950, while only 18, in his first full international, he was chaired from the field following a brilliant game at fullback in the win against England. In the same season his attacking play at centre won for Wales her first Championship since 1936 and first Grand Slam since 1911.Subsequently, following his performances on the 1954 Australasian tour he acheived almost legendary status while still in his teens.

Lewis signed for Leeds for a record £6,000 in 1952 and such was the club's confidence in his potential that immediately he was given a nine year contract.However, at first he did not live up to expectations, eventually sitting out the season with a broken arm. On his return in 1953-1954 he was electric at centre, his 302 points [18 tries, 124 goals] giving a taste of even greater glories to come.

He won 15 Great Britain caps, scoring in every game and totaling 147 points [5 tries, 66 goals]. He toured Australia in 1954 scoring 8 tries and 127 goals from fullback, including 10 goals in the second test which remains a record. In the 1956-57 club season he scored the all-time record of 496 points [ 36 tries, 194 goals] equalling the goalkicking record of the legendary Jim Sullivan.

The 1957 World Cup saw Great Britain suffer many injuries resulting in some disappointing rugby and the loss of the Cup won in 1954.Regretably, and for no good reason, Lewis became the scapegoat for these poor performances and was never selected again for the national side. He played a further seven seasons for Leeds totaling 3372 career points. Possibly the season which gave him the most personal satisfaction was 1960-61 when his brilliant play won for Leeds their first Championship.

Following six seasons as a successful player-coach in Australian second division rugby, he returned to Leeds in 1970 to teach Mathematics.

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