Paul Ringer
Quick Facts
Biography
Paul Ringer (born (1948-01-28) 28 January 1948 ) is an English born Welsh dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer, playing representative level rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Ebbw Vale RFC, Llanelli RFC, and Leicester, as a Flanker, i.e. number 6 or 7. Having turned professional he played representative level rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Cardiff City (Bridgend) Blue Dragons, as a Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 13.
International honours
Paul Ringer was born in Leeds. He earned his first rugby union cap for Wales against New Zealand, at Cardiff, in 1978 and was capped on total of 8 occasions. His final game was two years later in 1980, again at Cardiff against New Zealand. An abrasive and uncompromising forward, in a notorious international match between Wales and England at Twickenham in 1980 he was sent off for a challenge on English outside half John Horton controversially deemed as late by the referee. This controversy proved costly for Ringer as he was not selected for that summer's British Lions Tour to South Africa.
Many of his old teammates have described Ringer as a Wales rugby legend and an asset to any team. Paul Ringer won caps for Wales (RL) while at Cardiff City (Bridgend) Blue Dragons 1981…1982 2-caps.
Note
Before the start of the 1984/85 season, Cardiff City Blue Dragons relocated from Ninian Park in Cardiff, to Coychurch Road Ground in Bridgend, and were renamed Bridgend Blue Dragons.
Family history
Paul Ringer is the father of Wales, Cardiff RFC, Neath RFC, and Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Jamie Ringer, and Joel Bennett Ringer.