CARDIFF , Wales -- Former Wales and British Lions center Ray Gravell has died of a suspected heart attack aged 56 , the Welsh Rugby Union ( WRU ) has announced . Gravell won 23 caps for Wales and played on the Lions tour of South Africa in 1980 . Gravell had been on holiday with his family in the Spanish Mediterranean island of Mallorca at the time . A WRU statement praised Gravell as being `` a man who epitomized the passion , flair and dignity of his beloved Welsh nation . '' Gravell made his debut for Wales against France in 1975 , three years after helping his club side Llanelli to their famous win over the touring All Blacks . In all he made 23 appearances for what was then a dominant Wales side , winning Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978 , and played all four Tests on the Lions ' tour of South Africa in 1980 . After retiring as a player in 1985 , Gravell became president of Llanelli RFC and the Llanelli Scarlets . He also pursued a career as an actor and a respected rugby broadcaster . Earlier this year , Gravell had his right leg amputated below the knee following complications linked with his diabetes but he had been recovering well . WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said : `` We are all in total shock because Ray was so full of life even through the difficult health problems he suffered recently . `` He was a wonderful ambassador for rugby and for Wales and a great example of how the game can bring out the best in a man . `` As a player , he always gave a huge amount of respect to his opponents but never gave an inch of ground to anyone he faced on the field of play . `` It is a measure of the man that he forged rugby friendships which lasted long after his playing days up until the present day . '' E-mail to a friend .
Former Mallorca and Spanish Lions center Ray has died aged Earlier this year . He was on holiday with his family in Wales . After retiring he worked as an actor and broadcaster .