Devs - Double Dragon, Double Lion: The Official Biography of John Devereux

John Devereux was a 19-year-old student when he burst into rugby s big-time, terrorizing a Cardiff team packed with Lions and Wales stars for his South Glam Institute side in a Welsh Cup tie. He was one of the stars of the 1987 union World Cup as Wales finished third, the nation's highest ever position in the tournament, and appeared for the British and Irish Lions before being lured to rugby league by a big-money offer. He was a huge hit for Widnes, playing 185 games and scoring 120 tries, and Manly Sea Eagles in Australia, and became a dual-code international, scoring six tries in eight games for Great Britain and three tries in 12 games for Wales RL. He was also the last Wales union international to appear in a RL World Cup final when he lined up for Great Britain against Australia at Wembley in 1993.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: St David's Press

John Devereux, a 19-year-old student, made a remarkable entry into rugby's elite when he led his South Glam Institute side to a stunning victory over a Cardiff team featuring Lions and Wales stars in a Welsh Cup tie. His powerful piston-pump hand-off earned him the nickname "Dalek," and just two months later, in January 1986, he made his Wales debut against England. Devereux was a standout performer at the 1987 union World Cup, where Wales achieved their highest-ever position by finishing third. He also represented the British and Irish Lions before being lured to rugby league with a substantial offer exceeding GBP350,000.

Devereux's impact was immediate in the rugby league, playing for Widnes and Manly Sea Eagles in Australia. He became a dual-code international, scoring six tries in eight games for Great Britain and three tries in 12 games for Wales RL. His performances in the RL World Cup final in 1993, where he lined up for Great Britain against Australia at Wembley, solidified his status as a rugby legend.

John Devereux is held in the highest regard by his former teammates and opponents alike. His official biography, "Devs," provides a captivating account of his life in rugby, showcasing his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport. His legacy continues to inspire rugby enthusiasts across the globe, and his impact on the game is immeasurable.

Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781904609056