Scarlets are deeply saddened to announce that Andy Hill, the leading try-scorer in the club’s history, has passed away at the age of 78.
The fleet-footed winger played 453 matches over 12 seasons for Llanelli RFC, amassing an incredible 2,604 points — a figure that has only ever been surpassed by Wales and British & Irish Lions fly-half Stephen Jones.
Hill possessed a booming place kick and his try-scoring prowess was phenomenal — his tally of 311 tries remains the highest by anyone to have worn the famous Scarlets jersey.
Born in Swansea, he made a try-scoring debut in a 25-3 win over Richmond at Stradey Park in 1967 and went to become an ever-present for Llanelli, twice playing 50 matches in a season. A Welsh Cup winner in 1973, 74 and 75, Hill was famously a member of the 1972 team that took the scalp of the touring All Blacks at Stradey, landing a penalty in that never-to-be-forgotten 9-3 triumph.
He represented Wales against a Welsh Presidents XV in 1970, but was never capped, despite his record-breaking feats for the Scarlets.
Scarlets Executive Chairman Simon Muderack said: “Andy Hill was a legend of Stradey Park, a player whose try-scoring record will surely never be beaten and to play more than 450 matches for a club is an incredible achievement. He was a big favourite with the faithful at Stradey Park and will, of course, also be remembered for being part of that legendary side that beat the All Blacks in ’72.
“Everyone at the club sends our deepest condolences to Andy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Photo: Alan Richards Photography