FORMER Newport forward and dual-code international John Mantle has died at the age of 76 after a long illness.

Cardiff-born Mantle scored eight tries in 27 games for the Black and Ambers from 1962-65 and played twice for Wales.

He moved north to rugby league in 1965 and became an all-time great during his 11 years with St Helens, playing 435 matches and appearing in 19 major finals.

He also played 13 times for Great Britain and won 16 caps for Wales before retiring in 1982.

“He moved from Welsh rugby union, laid down his family roots in St Helens, and became a great player in one of our greatest ever sides,” said St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus.

“It’s an abiding boyhood memory of mine watching him perform with such distinction for St Helens and for Great Britain.

“It was an equal pleasure, in later years, to get to know the absolute gentleman that he was. He will be greatly missed, but also fondly remembered, by all.”

Mantle’s two caps in union came in 1964, one against England, the other on tour in South Africa.

He won every honour in rugby league at club level and was a member of the Saints side that won four trophies – Lancashire League, League Leader’s Bowl, Challenge Cup and League Championship – in 1965-66, when he showed terrific stamina by playing in 48 matches.

Mantle, who was inducted into the St Helens players’ association hall of fame, went on to have spells with Salford, Leigh, Barrow, Keighley, Oldham, Cardiff and Blackpool, where he brought down the curtain on his career in 1982.

“John achieved legendary status with his club and country and will be greatly missed by his former playing colleagues and supporters,” added Wales Rugby League chairman Brian Juliff.

He leaves a widow, Lorraine, son Kelvin, daughter Janine and grandchildren Ryan and Rhys.