Updated: 26/07/2012 09:37 | By pa.press.net

Former Lion Matthews dies at 92

Dr Jack Matthews made six appearances in the 1950 Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Dr Jack Matthews has died at the age of 92, the Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed.

Matthews, who won 17 caps for Wales and captained the team against France in Paris in 1951, played six Tests for the Lions on the 1950 tour of Australia and New Zealand, earning the nickname 'Iron Man' for his crash tackling.

A statement on wru.co.uk read: "Legendary Welsh centre Dr Jack Matthews has died aged 92."

It continued: "Matthews was part of a legendary Welsh midfield partnership alongside Bleddyn Williams. The former Newport and Cardiff star Matthews was also a doctor on the 1980 Lions tour of South Africa."

The Bridgend-born former Cardiff captain, whose career was curtailed by the Second World War, was made an OBE in 2001.

Matthews' former club Cardiff said in a statement: "Cardiff Rugby is saddened to have learnt of the death of Dr Jack Matthews OBE aged 92.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time."