Former Wales goalkeeper and Cardiff Met alumnus Dai Davies inducted into Welsh Sports Hall of Fame

Former Wales international goalkeeper Dai Davies, who studied at Cardiff College of Education before embarking on a distinguished professional football career, has been posthumously inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.

Davies, who passed away in February 2021 aged 72, earned 52 international caps for Wales between 1975 and 1982 and represented clubs including Swansea City, Everton, Wrexham and Tranmere Rovers. His induction recognises a career that saw him become one of Wales' most established goalkeepers of his generation.

Born in Glanamman, Carmarthenshire, in 1948, Davies initially pursued a career in education, attending Cardiff College of Education, one of the institutions that would later become Cardiff Metropolitan University, to train as a physical education teacher.

While studying in Cardiff, he continued to develop as a footballer before joining Swansea Town professionally in 1969. His performances soon attracted the attention of Everton, who signed the goalkeeper in December 1970.

Davies spent seven years at Goodison Park and made his senior Wales debut against Hungary in April 1975, helping his country secure a memorable 2-1 victory in Budapest.

He went on to establish himself as Wales' first-choice goalkeeper, featuring in the national side that reached the quarter-finals of the 1976 European Championship and playing in two notable victories over England, including the famous 4-1 triumph at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground in May 1980.

His club career also included success with Wrexham, where he was part of the side that won the Third Division championship in 1977/78, before returning to Swansea City and playing a role in their remarkable sixth-place finish in the English First Division during the 1981/82 season.

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Davies was a proud Welsh speaker and an influential figure in Welsh sporting culture. In 1978, he became the first Welsh footballer admitted to the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod. Following his playing career, he remained a familiar voice in Welsh football through his work in broadcasting and commentary.

An emotional evening for the Davies family

The posthumous recognition was particularly meaningful for Davies' family, who were able to celebrate his achievements alongside former teammates and fellow Welsh sporting figures.

Speaking in Welsh to Cardiff Met Sport TV students following the ceremony, his daughter Rhian Davies reflected on what the occasion meant to the family, particularly after her father's passing during the Covid pandemic.

"Because of Covid, we didn't have a public funeral for him. So it's just been lovely tonight to meet the people who played alongside him," she said.

Rhian also reflected on the remarkable Wales team of the 1970s, recalling their efforts to secure the playing of the Welsh national anthem at Wembley.

"It's been wonderful for us as a family and incredibly emotional."

For the Davies family, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate Dai's sporting achievements, reconnect with those who shared his international career and recognise his lasting contribution to Welsh football.

His connection to Cardiff Met is part of the University's long history of supporting individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to Welsh sport, both nationally and internationally.

The posthumous induction into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame provides another opportunity to celebrate Davies' achievements, his commitment to Welsh football and the legacy he leaves for future generations.