50th Anniversary Commemorative Carwyn James
In the Spring of 1971 the British and Irish Lions left the UK for their much anticipated tour of New Zealand. Little did the British public know that this would become the only Lions touring party to defeat the mighty All Blacks on their own soil. The squad was brimming with talent and as Wales had won the Grand Slam in the Five Nations the Welsh representation was significant. Many players on that tour were to become household names as a result of their historic achievements which has, to this day, never been equalled. At their helm was a quietly spoken Welshman Carwyn James who would go on to be heralded as a rugby genius. His unique approach to the new concept of coaching was to set a precedent for the way rugby union was played in the future and especially by the All Blacks themselves who never forgot what they had learned from that experience. Sir Colin Meads himself described the ‘71 Lions as the greatest side he had ever played against.
As a young rugby supporter I was lucky enough to meet Carwyn when he visited Pontypridd in the late 1970’s in his capacity as a rugby reporter. Thankfully my Dad was with us and chatted along while I listened to Carwyn words of wisdom. As a shy teenager I was in awe of the man who had not only defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand but followed it up by coaching his beloved Llanelli to victory over Ian Kirkpatrick’s 7th All Blacks the following year. This was a match I was lucky enough to witness and for me was a life changing event. Sadly he was never to coach his own country but his legacy to modern coaching and that historic victorious tour of New Zealand will never be forgotten.

Front base reads : Carwyn James - Coach of the British & Irish Lions - Victorious Tour of New Zealand 1971 Back: 50th Anniversary 1971 ~ 2021

The piece is Limited to 500 and priced at £150 plus £6.00 P+P UK Next Day Delivery (If in stock & ordered before 2pm - inscriptions 1-2 days extra) / Worldwide Postage £60.