Twice-capped by Wales as a player in 1958, Carwyn James is best known for his success as a coach while with Llanelli and the British and Irish Lions.

James was a visionary who proved adventurous, free-flowing rugby could be winning rugby. He guided the Lions to a sensational series victory in New Zealand in 1971 and went on to coach Llanelli and the Barbarians to famous wins in consecutive years. The Scarlets also claimed four Welsh Cups under his stewardship.

The Wales national team job was the one glaring omission from the CV of a coach who many regarded as without equal in the game. 

A proud Welsh speaker and ardent nationalist, James stood for parliament as a Plaid Cymru candidate in the 1970 general election. In his later years he became a respected rugby broadcaster. He died suddenly of a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 53.