04/11/2026
Wizard Wednesday | John Collins
As we celebrate 150 years of Aberavon Rugby Club, every Wednesday we’ll look back at the players who have worn the Blood & Black with pride and helped shape the club’s rich history.
This week’s Wizard is John Collins.
🏉 Position: Wing
A true Aberavon boy, born in the town in 1931, John Collins learned his rugby at St Joseph’s School and with Aberavon Green Stars before stepping up to the Wizards. He was blessed with real pace, having been the Welsh 440 yards champion in 1952, and he put it to full use out wide, scoring 122 tries for the club.
John’s Welsh debut came in January 1958 against Australia at Cardiff Arms Park, where he scored Wales’ only try in a 9-3 win. He went on to win 10 caps for Wales through to 1961, taking in four Five Nations campaigns. He also lined up for the combined Neath-Aberavon side against the Springboks and was part of the Wizards’ championship-winning side of 1960-61.
Away from rugby, John worked as a steel erector at Margam Abbey Steelworks, and later ran a bar in Majorca.
Sadly, John passed away in May 2017, aged 86. He is remembered as one of the great Aberavon wings.
Thank you for everything you gave to the Wizards.
💬 Supporters: What’s your favourite memory of watching John Collins in the Blood & Black? Share your stories and photos in the comments.
