Carwyn James

Carwyn Rees James (2 November 1929 – 10 January 1983) was a Welsh rugby union player and coach. He won two international caps for Wales but is most famous for his coaching achievements with the rugby club Llanelli, the 1971 British Lions and the Barbarians, with all of whom he beat New Zealand (the All Blacks).

Early life and education James was born in 1929, the son of a coalminer, in Cefneithin in the Gwendraeth Valley. He was educated at the village school, at Gwendraeth Grammar School in Drefach, at Llandovery College, and at Trinity College, Carmathen. He played rugby for and captained Wales Secondary Schools.

At Aberystwyth University in his first year he studied Geography, Philosophy, Welsh History and Welsh, and Welsh alone in his final year.

Rugby playing James played fly-half for Llanelli, playing his first game while still at Gwendraeth School. He later played for London Welsh RFC. He then coached them to four Welsh Cups between 1973 and 1976.

James also coached the Barbarians to victory over the All Blacks in 1973, including being credited with man management to stimulate Phil Bennett to make his famous sidestepping run that day.

He then coached in Italy, at Rugby Rovigo, from 1977 to 1980, winning a title.

James never coached the Wales national team, largely because of his belief that the coach should chair the selectors' meetings and be responsible for choosing the other selectors. At one stage he applied for the role but then withdrew his application.

Coaching approach James' coaching style was said to involve quiet words with players and half-suggestions rather than orders.

Mervyn Davies said, "He invited us to take personal responsibility for our role but without ever telling us what to do." Mike Gibson said, "We were free to express our ability, free to attack from any situation." He said in some training sessions James would run behind the backs, shouting 'Think! Think! Think!'

James was a strong believer in attacking rugby, with the attitude that if a team had possession of the ball it should be able to attack, regardless of the position on the field.

Rugby media work In his later years he became a noted broadcaster on the game in Wales.

Politics James was a nationalist He spoke Russian fluently. and possibly been homosexual.

James suffered serious eczema. Always a smoker, he also consumed significant alcohol in his later years.

Legacy The sports building of Aberystwyth University is named after him, as is the playing field at Cefneithin RFC.

Due to his coaching in Italy, an international tournament, called "Carwyn James Easter Trophy", is held in Pieve di Cento (Bologna). The 12th edition was in 2016. The trophy is for Under 15s sides and has been arranged with the help of Carwyn's nephew, Llyr James.

After the conclusion of the 2024 Six Nations Championship, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney suggested that the Carwyn James–Roy Bish Cup should be awarded to the winner of the Six Nations game between Wales and Italy.