Diolch

The end of an era today as a modern day Welsh rugby legend retired from international rugby, the man......Shane Williams.

As a Neath RFC fan I've been privileged to see Shane start his first class career and make his international debut. When he started with us he was a scrum half with pace to burn and he was soon put out on the wing, the freedom he was given saw him become a try scoring machine and his dazzling skills lit up the Gnoll. Some of the tries I've seen him score have been truly magic; his highlight reel will be something special.

At a time when big was seen as beautiful in rugby, Shane proved them all wrong. Skill, speed and commitment were all the qualities he needed, he may not have been the best defender in the world and bury you in a tackle. But, and it's a big but, he always made sure he stopped the progress of his opponent and he did make try saving tackles.

He had a whole nation fighting back the tears today and I must admit to shedding a few tears myself. The match may have been a bit of a damp squib but it ended perfectly with Shane scoring the last try of the game.

Thanks for the memories Shane! Diolch!