Biggest names in British sport compare notes

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby's most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

What's happening here?

The meeting of two sport legends. It's October 1972 and recently retired Wales and Lions fly-half Barry John is spending a few days with George Best at the latter's futuristic bachelor pad in Bramhall, Cheshire which the Manchester United player designed himself right down to the snooker room, wine cellar and huge bathtub. Barry had attended United training that day but there was plenty of time for kicking back, multiple beers and putting the world to rights. At the time of this picture there were no bigger names in British sport and it's a reminder of the profile rugby and Barry enjoyed.

What's the story behind the picture?

Sporting genius often comes at a price with life away from the sporting arena proving a challenge. In April 1972 Barry had shocked the sporting world by retiring at the absolute height of his powers, aged 27. In the previous year he had starred in Wales' Grand Slam triumph, blazed a trail for the Lions during their only ever series win over New Zealand … and then had to cope with the reality of being a superstar in an amateur sport.

Despite the acclaim he still had to work for a living; he was still expected to attend three or four social events a week, opening local fetes and shops or doing fundraisers for local charities, speaking at sporting dinners, awards ceremonies, TV interviews etc. One or two paid a few quid, thankfully received in a brown envelope but the vast majority were free and gratis. This was time away from family, friends and normality.

Globally Barry was not, of course, anywhere near as ‘big' at Best but in the melting pot of Welsh rugby he was if anything even bigger. The pressure was immense. He would be playing in front of 55,000 at the Arms Park on Saturday and out amongst the same people and hero worshippers all the following week at work or doing appearances. There was no separation between sporting life and personal life. No escape.

It all came to a head in 1972. He was badly unnerved one week when twice young girls at functions he was attending curtseyed when being presented to him. He was close to breaking point and at one stage tried to force the Welsh selectors' hand by simply disappearing to Majorca for a holiday with his wife. He had hoped they might drop him but,when he got back there his name was on the team sheet as usual for the next game against Scotland.

Eventually he decided to retire, announcing the decision after a charity game at the Arms Park between his Barry John XV– essentially the Wales team – and a Carwyn James XV, a Five Nations all-stars team. Naturally he scored the winning try.

What happened next?

For John there were few regrets although it is scary to think how big his legacy would have been had he also starred for the 1974 Lions and played his part in further Welsh Grand Slams. Mind you the remarkable Phil Bennett was snapping at his heels, how much longer could he have held the Llanelli wizard off ? Who knows.

As for Best, he was already developing problems with the booze. He is still at his peak here but the demons are closing in. On January 1, 1974 after his 470th and final appearance for Manchester United, against QPR, he also announced his retirement from football, aged 27. For George that retirement was not permanent, there were various comebacks and earners, but it was the end of the glory years.

Why is the picture iconic?

Two sporting icons, mates and kindred spirits posing for a very 70s style shot, flares and all, at a particularly interesting moment in their careers and indeed lives. What's not to like?

Barry is six months retired but still in good shape with his own good looks and abundant charisma. Here though he automatically lets George take centre stage and display his kicking skills with a rugby ball. It's composed and cheesy but there's a great vibe, the lads are having fun and relaxing away from the tumultuous world outside where everybody wanted a piece of them.

They understood each other and had hit if off instantly on the after dinner and awards circuit and were to keep in close touch until George's death.

There is an added tinge of poignancy though as we contemplate how genius can either burn itself out early or, even worse, disappear completely before its time. Both these legends retired at the end of their tether aged 27 although George did then try various comebacks. It's that age 27 that plays on the mind, especially in the pop world, which lost Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse and many others. Life can evidently become very complicated for performing artists around this age.

Footnote: The dynamic duo only appeared on a football pitch once together, in front of 19,000 fans at Selhurst Park where George asked Barry to play on the right wing for his charity XI against London XI. They won 8-3 with George scoring seven of the goals and Barry putting the other away.