Lewis and Edwards on mend after heart ops

WELL-KNOWN Welsh rugby figure Lyndon Lewis is recovering after being taken ill following a Principality Premiership thriller involving his current and former club, writes Andy Howell.

Aberavon had beaten leaders Llandovery by a point in the West Division of the Premiership at the Talbot Athletic Ground to occupy third in the table.

Wizards’ backs guru Lewis, who is acting head-teacher of the Upper Afan Valley Federation of Schools, was taken to Morriston Hospital and had heart surgery to fit stents.

And it’s emerged Lewis, 51, is actually in the same hospital ward as Merthyr and former Scarlets player Pete Edwards who also underwent heart surgery after being taken ill following a game on the weekend.

Aberavon chairman Andrew John expressed shock at the news about Lewis in a club statement, before adding: “He’s in good spirits and very positive.

“On behalf of everyone at Aberavon RFC we wish him a full and speedy recovery. He’s very much in our thoughts.”

Lewis spent eight seasons as a player at the Talbot Athletic Ground, captaining the club, as well as having a stint with Pontypridd when they were in their hey-day with Neil Jenkins pulling the strings at No.10 and Dale McIntosh firing up the forwards.

He moved into coaching after his playing days and spent 11 years with Llandovery, progressing to head coach with the highlight being a 2007 Welsh Cup final win over a Cardiff RFC team containing Jamie Roberts.

Lewis returned to Aberavon two years ago and helped guide them to the final of last season’s Principality Premiership, losing narrowly to big-spending Merthyr.

The shock news about Lewis emerged as it was revealed popular prop forward Edwards had also undergone heart surgery having been taken ill after playing last Saturday.

Tight-head Edwards, who also had a spell with London Welsh, had suffered chest pains following Merthyr’s Premiership clash with Newport at The Wern and later went to hospital.

Edwards, 37, also had an operation, but has been sending positive messages to concerned club colleagues at Merthyr.