Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan sparked concern among viewers after being hastily withdrawn from Wednesday’s programme. It has now emerged the sudden departure was due to the death of her father, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath.
A statement issued by Yorath’s children through the BBC said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.” Yorath’s sporting influence lives on through Gabby, who competed for Wales and Great Britain in rhythmic gymnastics, along with her wider family. Those connections run incredibly deep, with Terry’s impact on their sporting accomplishments continuing to this day.
Wales icon dad
Long before Logan harboured dreams of becoming a broadcasting legend for the BBC, Yorath had already established himself as an icon in his own right. Terry was part of the Leeds side that reached the FA Cup final against Sunderland barely a week after Gabby’s birth, though they fell short. However, redemption came the following season when they clinched the First Division title.
As a member of that legendary Leeds squad, he also reached the 1975 European Cup final against Bayern Munich, becoming the first Welshman to feature in the continental showpiece. He subsequently starred for Tottenham and Coventry, though another major trophy eluded him.
In addition to his 59 Wales caps, the midfielder swiftly transitioned into management after hanging up his boots at Swansea. His impressive performance earned him the role of manager for the Wales national team, where he served for five years before managing several other clubs, including hometown team Cardiff City.
Yorath narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 1994 World Cup in heartbreaking fashion. However, arguably his greatest achievement as a coach came at Swansea when he guided the south Wales outfit to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988.
Rugby legend husband
It’s no surprise Logan’s children have pursued their own sporting careers, given she married former Scotland rugby star Kenny in 2001. The ex-winger made a name for himself with Glasgow but truly hit his stride with Wasps during their reign as a contender on the European stage.
After clinching the Scottish Premiership with Stirling County in 1995, it wasn’t long before he relocated to London. It was there that Wasps secured two Premiership titles, in 1997 and 2003, with Logan causing havoc on the wings.
He earned 70 caps for his country and scored 13 tries, making his final Test appearance against Australia at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He and his wife later participated in the 2007 season of Strictly Come Dancing together, where Gabby was among the first to be voted off while Kenny achieved an impressive fifth place.
Larger-than-life son
It appears the rugby genes run strong as Reuben Logan is well on his way to becoming a fully fledged rugby star. And Scotland’s appeal is evident given the towering back-rower stands at an imposing 6’5″.
At just 20 years old, the Sale Sharks prospect has already earned caps for Scotland’s under-20 team, having previously been named in England’s youth teams. It seems his loyalties now firmly rest with his father’s side of the family.
Adding to the family’s impressive sporting pedigree, Reuben has a twin sister, Lois, who’s making her mark in the equestrian world. She initially made waves in show-jumping but has since transitioned to racing after participating in Glorious Goodwood last year.