A special celebration took place in Cefneithin to mark the 95th birthday of a rugby legend.

Carwyn James, born on November 2, 1929, was honoured in his home village for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Kicking off at Cefneithin Primary School on November 2, 2024, the Mynydd Mawr male voice choir performed hymns and songs dear to Mr James.

Pupils also recited bilingual extracts from memories Mr James penned about his childhood in the Gwendreath Valley.

The celebration then moved to his former home at 2 Heol Yr Ysgol, where a blue plaque was unveiled by Delme Thomas, an ex-Llanelli and Wales rugby player who was under Mr James' leadership.

Community groups, including the welfare association, Cefneithin RFC, and Llanelli RFC, were in attendance, alongside many residents.

The plaque project was initiated by Ian Gravell, a businessman and fervent rugby supporter, with the wording crafted by author Alun Gibbard.

In the afternoon, a minute's applause took place at Cefneithin RFC during the WRU Admiral League 3 West game against Amman United.

Amman United clinched the match with a last-minute penalty, winning 25-23.

The day's events concluded at the village hall Y Neuadd, with Simon Nehan delivering a powerful stage portrayal of James' remarkable life in a play named after him.

Mr James, who played for Cefneithin, Llanelli, London Welsh, and Wales, is celebrated as one of Wales' greatest rugby coaches.

Despite never coaching the national team, he led Llanelli during their golden era in the 1970s, the Barbarians, and notably the British and Irish Lions to a historic series win against the All Blacks in 1971—a feat yet to be repeated.