Lewis was also a cricketer, but only played at local level for Llanelli, though he was the first player to score a century at Stradey Park.
[2] Lewis, nicknamed "Johnny Bach", played club rugby for first class Welsh team, Llanelli.
While playing for Llanelli, Lewis was awarded his one and only international cap, when he was selected to represent Wales against Ireland in the 1887 Home Nations Championship.
Played on the neutral territory of Birkenhead Park, Wales won by a single dropped goal from Arthur 'Monkey' Gould, even though Ireland outscored the Welsh team three tries to one.
Despite being out of favour with the Welsh selectors, he was rewarded by his home club during the 1887-88 season when he was made captain of the senior team.