Legends celebrate ‘greatest try ever’
A RUGBY club president and a Knight of the Realm who were part of what has been described as “the greatest try ever” met up once again for a fundraising event at Rhydyfelin RFC clubhouse.
Sir Gareth Edwards was the special guest at the event, which was aimed at raising funds for the club.
The 71-year-old former Cardiff, Wales, British Lions and Barbarians scrum-half was welcomed by the club’s president Tom David, who also enjoyed a hugely successful rugby playing career as a flanker with Pontypridd, Llanelli, Wales, the British Lions and the Barbarians.
Rhydyfelin-born Tom took part in the rugby move which ended with Sir Gareth scoring the spectacular try in the 1973 game between the Barbarians and New Zealand
Sir Gareth said: “Tom and I go back a long way and it is delightful to be here tonight but, knowing Tom, I don’t know quite what he has in store for me.
“Tom and I were part of a rugby yesteryear when there was a great affinity among players.
“We shared in that remarkable bond, which makes it so special to be able to meet up again at events like these”.
Tom, 70, who was made the club’s president two years ago, said: “Everyone at the club is thrilled and proud to have Sir Gareth Edwards among us tonight.
“What he has achieved during his lifetime is immense.
“I played alongside him and against him and those are rugby memories I will always cherish”.
Club chairman Gareth Saunders said that having Sir Gareth as the guest of honour was “a very special event in the club’s history”.