Sydney John Dawes (born 29 June 1940 in Chapel of Ease), was a Welsh rugby union player, playing at centre, and later coach. He captained Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

Dawes was educated at Lewis School, Pengam, and later University College, Aberystwyth, then Loughborough College. He played club rugby for Newbridge, then joined London Welsh. Winning his first cap for Wales against Ireland in 1964, he went on to make twenty two appearances for Wales, captaining the side in six of them, including leading the Grand Slam winning side of 1971.

In 1971, Dawes was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions side for the tour to New Zealand. This side, coached by Carwyn James, became the first and so far the only Lions team to win a series in New Zealand. Dawes was also captain of the Barbarians side who beat New Zealand in Cardiff in 1973.

After retiring as a player, Dawes became coach of the Welsh national side in 1974, a post he held until 1979. This was one of the most successful periods in the history of Welsh rugby, with the team winning the Five Nations Championship four times in the five seasons between 1975 and 1979, including two Grand Slams. He also coached the 1977 British and Irish Lions on the tour to New Zealand, but was unable to repeat the success of 1971. He is currently president of London Welsh and has written several books on rugby union.

1940 births | Living people | Welsh rugby union footballers | Rugby union centres | Welsh rugby union coaches

John Dawes