Edwards, a current member of the Cardiff Blues board, played for Cardiff RFC, Wales and the British and Irish Lions during an illustrious career and is widely acknowledged as the greatest player of all time.
Cardiff Blues chairman, Peter Thomas, has led the tributes to the 53–times capped international scrum-half.
“Gareth is a true great of Cardiff RFC, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. The fact that he is still regarded as the world’s greatest player is testament to the influence he had on the game of rugby,” said Thomas.
“He was the superstar of rugby in the 1970s, a period when we were blessed with so many greats – with the likes of Barry John and Gerald Davies, who also wore the famous Blue and Black.
“Despite his formidable record with Wales and the Lions, Gareth still managed to make close to 200 appearances for Cardiff, scoring 69 tries and so often the difference between teams.
“He remains a great friend both to myself and my family, and Cardiff Rugby, where he serves on the Cardiff Blues board, and we all so very proud that Gareth Edwards and rugby at this famous ground (Cardiff Arms Park) are so synonymous.
“We wish Sir Gareth Edwards a very Happy 70th Birthday!”
Born in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Edwards attended Pontardawe Technical School before winning a scholarship to the elite Millfield Public School in Somerset.
As a youngster, Edwards showed promise across a variety of sports, including football, athletics and gymnastics.
Following two appearances for the ‘Rags’, Cardiff Athletic XV, where he scored four tries, 19-year-old, Edwards, was called up to make his Cardiff RFC debut against Coventry in 1966.
Five months and six club appearances later, the scrum-half was called-up for his first Welsh cap in an away clash against France, and would make another 52 consecutive appearances in the famous red shirt.
The scrum half also went on to win 10 caps for the British and Irish Lions, playing a key role in the victorious tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.
Edwards was responsible for some of the game’s truly memorable moments, including a stunning solo try for Wales against Scotland, and the finisher of ‘That Try’ scored for the Barbarians against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973.
He made almost 200 appearances for the Blue and Blacks, scoring 69 tries, and also clinched three Grand Slams, five Triple Crowns and five Five Nations titles for Wales on the international stage.
In 2015, Edwards became the first figure in Welsh rugby to be knighted, and received the honour by Prince William at Windsor Castle ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
In 2003, Rugby World magazine ran a poll of international rugby players, where Edwards was voted the greatest rugby union player of all time.