During the Paris test, he was one of six Welsh players making their debut (Trevor Evans, Charlie Faulkner, Graham Price, Ray Gravell and Steve Fenwick being the others).
Wales won for the first time in Paris for many years by 25–12 points with Bevan producing a remarkable try-saving tackle.
Bevan was picked for the first Five Nations international against England, with the young David Richards on the bench, remarkably at the expense of Bennett who was omitted from the squad.
[2] Bevan was one of three Aberavon players to make the 1977 tour, Allan Martin lock and Clive Williams prop being the others.
After his playing career was cut short by his shoulder injury, he coached Aberavon RFC and then the Wales national side from 1982 to 1985.