Keith Jarrett (rugby footballer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Keith S. Jarrett (born May 18, 1948 in Newport, Monmouthshire) was a Welsh Rugby player during the late 1960s. He played in the Centre and Full Back positions.
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[edit] Background
Jarrett is the son of former Glamorgan cricketer Harold Jarrett and attended Monmouth School. Like his father he also played cricket for Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
[edit] Newport Debut at 17, Playing for Wales at 18
In 1966 Keith Jarrett played for Newport against Ebbw Vale, shortly after leaving school. He played his first international for Wales on April 15, 1967, against England, still aged only eighteen.
He scored a try that has been voted seventh in a poll of the top ten Welsh tries. In the same match, he kicked two penalty goals and five conversions. His performance on the field was so impressive that he made the cover of Rugby World magazine two months later.
[edit] 10 Wales Caps then Rugby League
Jarrett played for Wales ten times in all, making his final appearance against Australia. In 1968 he set a club record of 30 points for Newport against Penarth and was selected for the 1968 British Lions tour to South Africa. In 1969 he transferred to rugby league club Barrow, and also went on to play for the Welsh national rugby league side.
[edit] Curtailed Career
His career was cut short in 1973, after he suffered a stroke resulting from a hemorrhage. He was unable to achieve his fullest potential. At 25 he was about to come into his prime.
He also was great friends with Chris "the Cat" Morgan a welsh centre half and cricket captain of Wales, who was the first man ever to be caught and bowled and hit wicket in the same match in 1978 against the Thessalonians in Cairo in the aid of Jarrett's testimonal.
