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Direct and hard-running in his play, Steve Fenwick's consistency in the Welsh midfield enabled him to break an 83 year old record; his 30 caps broke Arthur Gould's 1897 record for caps earned by a Welsh centre. The Bridgend man was not blessed with pace or a devastating swerve but his vision and distribution skills more than made up for these deficiencies.
He made his Welsh debut in a re-shaped team against the French in 1975 and made an instant impact by scoring a try after only five minutes and finishing the game with 9 points. He went on to become a regular in the side, only being dropped on one occasion. His goal kicking won no prizes for style but it was undoubtedly effective; it epitomised his relaxed and no-nonsense approach to the game. He was part of the successful Welsh side of this era and scored 38 points in the 1978-79 season.
His skill as a try maker and his kicking skills earned him a place on the 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand. This was a disappointing tour for all the Lions' backs, in which Fenwick played in all four tests. Opponents found his gritty defence was impregnable, but he was limited in his own attacking play through the tour; the All Black defence was equally watertight. Fenwick returned to make a formidable centre partnership with Ray Gravell. He captained Wales in the Centenary game against the All Blacks in 1980.
He then switched codes as the great Welsh side began to split up. He played with the Blue Dragons, winning caps with the Welsh team, and setting numerous points records. A former teacher he set up in business with a former Wales and Lions player Tommy David; another player who had turned to league. (John Lovell)
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