The former Newport High School, Newport, Oxford University and London Welsh wing, helped Wales get their 1950 Grand Slam campaign off to a flying start with an 11-3 victory over England. Other debutants on that famous day were hooker Maldwyn Davies, lock Roy John, full back Lewis Jones, prop John Robins and scrum half Rex Willis.
But while John Gwilliam’s side marched to the first Grand Slam since 1911, Brewer was forced to kick his heels for five years before getting another shot at the auld enemy in 1955. Once again he finished on the winning side, thanks to an Arthur Edwards penalty that secured a 3-0 win at Cardiff Arms Park.
He retained his place in an unchanged Welsh side that marched on to Edinburgh to meet Scotland, but despite scoring two tries in a 14-8 defeat at Murrayfield he was dropped for the next game. Those three senior Welsh caps added to seven he won for the Welsh Secondary Schools between 1946-48.
One of the quickest players of his era, he won the Welsh Schools 220 yards title in 1947 and was second in the 100 yards. From Newport HS he went up to Oxford University, where he studied chemistry at Jesus College. He missed the 1950 Varsity match through injury, but scored a try in the 13-0 win over Cambridge at Twickenham in 1951.
He played alongside England international Brian Boobyer at centre for the Dark Blues against the touring Springboks in 1951 and played for South Eastern Counties against the 1953 All Blacks. He also palyed forthe Army, Combined Services, Hampshire and London Welsh, whom he captained in the 1956-57 season.
He joined ICI after completing his National Service, working as a production services manager, andworked for a while in Northern Ireland before returning to live in Henley.
Trevor James Brewer was born in Newport on 16 August, 1930.
The Welsh Rugby Union offers its condolences to the family and friends of Trevor Brewer.
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