RUGBY greats from yesteryear flocked to Usk’s Glen-yr-Afon Hotel recently to raise money

for the forthcoming Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru that is coming to Abergavenny and District in 2016.

The event was arranged by the Usk, Raglan and Penperllenni Appeal Committee and local organisers Susan Cowburn and Meirion Howells.

Although there were no studs in sight, the suited and booted assembled were keen to discuss all things oval shaped as Eddie Butler (Wales and British Lions) facilitated stories from a guest list of famous Rugby internationals who, apart from Rupert Moon, all live in Monmouthshire.

Butler, was has earned renown as a sports pundit and journalist since his days of having it large as a number eight and captaining a powerhouse Pontypool side, was wining and dining with fellow former Welsh international and British Lion Gerald Davies. The triple grand slam winner with one of the most famous mustaches in rugby, was joined by one of the finest forwards of all time who had the distinction of pulling on both the Wales and the British Lions jersey - Bryn Meredith.

Also at the black tie event was former Welsh international and the man who played 272 games for Llanelli over 12 years, Rupert Moon. The 24 capped player was joined by former rugby league great and England coach Joe Lydon.

Between the five of them, the rugby raconteurs entertained those present with tales documenting the highs and lows of the sporting life and raised a grand total of £5,260.88 for next year’s Eisteddfod.