Barry-born Bob Lakin was one of Cardiff’s great back-row forwards, making 325 appearances for the club and scoring 64 tries and 256 points.
A tough and uncompromising blindside flanker, Lakin combined physicality with strong defensive work, effective ball carrying and an ability to contribute at the lineout. He also developed a reputation for getting under the skin of opposition supporters with his willingness to test the limits of the offside laws.
Lakin captained Cardiff Youth and Welsh Youth before making his Arms Park debut against Penarth in 1978. He later represented Wales B and the Barbarians, playing for the latter against Swansea in 1981.
One of his standout moments came in the 1981 Schweppes Cup Final, when he scored the opening try and was named Man of the Match as Cardiff defeated Bridgend 14–6.
