Gabby Logan’s family tree with giant son aiming to follow in dad’s steps
Gabby Logan has confirmed the death of her father, Terry Yorath, at the age of 75, though his legacy lives on through the extended family, which is already sprouting new sporting gems
Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan sparked concern among viewers after leaving Wednesday’s programme at short notice. It has now emerged that the death of her father, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath, was behind her sudden departure.
An emotional statement issued by Yorath’s children via the BBC read: “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 legacy lives on through Gabby, who competed for Wales and Great Britain in rhythmic gymnastics, along with her wider family. Those connections run particularly deep, with Terry’s impact on their sporting accomplishments continuing to this day.
Wales legend father
Decades before Logan rose to become a broadcasting icon for the BBC, Yorath had already established himself as a legend in his own right. Terry was part of the Leeds side that finished as runners-up in the 1973 FA Cup final against Sunderland just days after Gabby was born, though he made amends by winning the First Division title the following campaign.
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As a member of an iconic Leeds team, he also reached the 1975 European Cup final against Bayern Munich, becoming the first Welshman to feature in the continental showpiece. He subsequently went on to play for Tottenham and Coventry but never secured another major trophy.
In addition to his 59 Wales caps, the midfielder swiftly moved into management after hanging up his boots at Swansea. His impressive performance earned him the role of Wales national team manager, a position he held for five years before managing several clubs, including hometown club Cardiff City.
Yorath narrowly missed out on qualifying Wales for the 1994 World Cup. However, arguably his most significant achievement as a manager came at Swansea, where he guided the side to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988.
Rugby great 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 retired winger made a name for himself with Glasgow but truly hit his stride with Wasps when they emerged as a dominant European force.
After clinching the Scottish Premiership with Stirling County in 1995, he soon relocated to London. It was there that Wasps secured two Premiership titles, in 1997 and 2003, with Logan making significant contributions from the wing.
He earned 70 caps for his country and scored 13 international 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, where Gabby was one of the first to be voted off, while Kenny achieved a commendable fifth place.
Giant rugby prospect son
It appears the rugby genes are strong, too, as Reuben Logan is fast becoming a fully-fledged rugby star in his own right. The appeal of Scotland is clear given the towering back-rower stands at an imposing 6’5″.
At the tender age of 20, the Sale Sharks gem, currently on loan at Championship side Caldy, has already earned his stripes with Scotland’s under-20 team, having previously been played for England’s youth. It seems his loyalties now firmly rest with his father’s side of the family.
Adding to the family’s impressive sporting pedigree, Reuben also has a twin sister, Lois, who’s making her mark in the equestrian world. She initially made waves in show-jumping but has since switched to racing after a stint at Glorious Goodwood last year.
