Nelmes was an outstanding front-row forward who won six caps for his country between 1975 and 1978, making his debut against Australia in Sydney and his final appearance against New Zealand at Twickenham.

He played with great distinction for the Bristol and Cardiff teams of that era, captaining the latter and also appearing for the Barbarians against the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand.

'The Rugby Football Union is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Nelmes and we send our sincere condolences to his wife Pat and to their family,' said RFU President Bob Rogers.

'Barry was a great servant of great Bristol and Cardiff teams, leading the latter with distinction and playing a part in their famous victory over Australia in 1975.

'He was a distinguished and versatile performer for England in the 1970s and deserves to be recognised as one of a superb group of front-row forwards who played in that era.'

Nelmes, born in Bristol in 1948, was one of an outstanding generation of props and it was only the presence of one of England's all-time greats, Fran Cotton, that prevented him from making more appearances for his country.

'Barry was probably the first of the new breed of prop forwards,' said his Bristol and England teammate John Pullin.

'Until then the role of the prop was to push and squeeze but Barry was useful around the pitch being equally skilled with ball in hand.'