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He’s won Grand Slams, represented the Lions, and is Wales’ all-time top try scorer – but now rugby legend Shane Williams has gone into the chicken shop business.

The ex-winger was on hand to help officially open Pepe’s Piri Piri in Caerphilly town on Thursday September 7.

The chicken shop franchise has several stores across south Wales, with the latest opening its doors on Cardiff Road at the former Select shop, which closed down earlier this year.

The premises are owned by Mr Williams with Trevor Isaac, the managing director of Caerphilly-based Brinson’s estate agents.

Mr Williams unveiled the store alongside Caerphilly County Borough Mayor, Mike Adams.

When asked by Caerphilly Observer how he’s ended up opening a chicken shop, Mr Williams joked: “It’s not something we planned certainly.

“Me and my friend Trevor Isaac started a business a few years ago where we invest in properties and I knew he was keen to invest here as he lives in Caerphilly.

“Something like this is great for the area. It creates jobs and brings money in, which is what it’s all about. We also enjoy the process of it all.

“Pepe’s chicken is a big franchise that’s well-known and hopefully something which will help the community in Caerphilly.”

Mr Isaac said: “I’ve been looking for commercial opportunities on home patch and we saw this in a prime location.

“It needed a lot of investment and we’ve managed to secure a superb franchise in Pepe’s, who are a huge asset to the town.”

Mayor Mike Adams added that the shop will be “brilliant” for the area, and hopes to see people from all over coming to visit the branch, which is set to employ 12 members of staff.

St Martin’s ward councillor James Fussell was also in attendance, and said he also believes this is a great business for Caerphilly.

Cllr Fussell has been involved in process since the planning application went in earlier this year.

Pepe’s Piri Piri is open seven days a week between 11am and 11pm.