Ian was a tough, hard-nosed prop who had the rare ability to play both sides of the scrum at the highest level, though his preferred position was loosehead.
Bridgend was a very successful team in the late 1970s and early 1980s, appearing in the WRU Challenge Cup final four seasons in a row.
The team were beaten finalists the next two seasons, both times losing to Cardiff RFC, one of which was decided on try count.
Ian’s last game for Wales was against Australia in 1984, where he was replaced early in the first half by Jeff Whitefoot.
Ian was suffering from nerve damage in his neck and shoulder leading up to this game, but the Wales management decided to start him, hoping that the adrenaline of the occasion would see him through.
Unfortunately, Ian suffered a severe knee injury a week before the second test and was ruled out for the game.
The RFU President’s XV, featuring many rugby greats like Danie Gerber, Errol Tobias, Terry Holmes, and Rob Louw, won the game 10-27.