Earlier this year, the hockey community was saddened by the loss of David Austin Savage, an iconic Welsh and GB goalkeeper who made an indelible mark on the sport.
Known for his passion, skill, and commitment, Austin's influence extended far beyond the pitch.
Austin earned his first international cap for Wales in 1962 in Edgbaston against England, in what was a challenging 4-0 loss. Four years later, he joined the GB squad, participating in a six-week tour of Australia, where he played five of the six test matches. In 1972, a decade after his international debut, Austin was selected for the Munich Olympic Games, where he found himself unexpectedly reporting from inside the village for the BBC during the tragic Black September terrorist attack.
Over his career, Austin represented GB in 20 international matches and made numerous comebacks for Wales, eventually earning a remarkable 100 caps. His final return came at the age of 40 in 1981, when he represented Wales in the Intercontinental Cup in Kuala Lumpur, adding eight additional international caps to his legacy.
In 2023, Austin attended the Hoci Cymru Caps Celebration event with his wife, Vera. He was honoured for his service to Welsh hockey and presented with his first official cap by GB Hockey President and former Welsh athlete Sheila Morrow (pictured below).
David Austin Savage is survived by his wife of 58 years Vera, his sons Dewi, Huw and Gwyn, and his six grandchildren, Hazel, Rhys, Molly, Addie, Ava, and Alice.
Proud of Austin’s achievements, the Savage family has honored his legacy by donating a goalkeeper kit to Ruthin Hockey Club, a North Wales team close to their hearts. This gift, given in Austin’s memory, has been supported by Savage Field Hockey and Mercian Hockey.
Ruthin Hockey Club was chosen as the first recipient due to the family’s ties to the club; Vera began her playing career at Ysgol Brynhyfryd. The club’s commitment to youth development and its bilingual online presence further reflect the family’s values and Austin's spirit as a passionate fluent Welsh speaker.
In their statement, Ruthin Hockey Club’s Gwen Rees expressed the Club’s gratitude (Translated from Welsh):
“On behalf of Ruthun Hockey Club, I would like to say a big thank you to Austin Savage’s family for a very valuable donation in his memory. With over 50 juniors playing for the club, the goalkeeping kit will have plenty of use providing opportunities for loads of young players.
"We are very honored to receive a kit in memory of someone who played hockey for Wales and Great Britain.
"We are extremely proud to receive the donation in memory of Mr Austin Savage - a privilege and an honour, thank you.”
The Savage family and Savage Field Hockey intend to make this donation an annual tradition, supporting a North Wales club each year to aid in the development of young goalkeepers.
Understanding the financial challenges of the position, the Savage family hopes to give future athletes the same opportunities that Austin cherished throughout his career.
Hoci Cymru extends its heartfelt thanks to the Savage family, Savage Field Hockey, and Mercian Hockey for their generosity and enduring support of Welsh hockey.
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