One lucky rugby player from Bargoed had stars in his eyes as he met Shane Williams on a guided tour of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday, April 21.
Rhys Wood, 6, plays for Bargoed under 7s and got the chance to speak to the former Wales international as part of a meet-and-greet session at the stadium after his parents Hywel and Amanda won an online competition.
They said: “It’s been amazing to meet one of our all-time rugby heroes.
“Our son has played rugby for around three years, and for the past two years he’s been watching videos of Shane on YouTube, trying to copy his side stepping.
“He’s always said he wants to play as good as him.”
The family, and other competition winners, were also given tickets to the SSE SWALEC Finals Day on Sunday May 1 in the stadium, where six semi-professional teams will face off in three finals, the Bowl, Plate, and Cup.
Ystrad Mynach side Penallta RFC face local rivals Bedlinog in the SWALEC Plate final at 3.15pm.
Wales’ record try-scorer Shane added: “It’s been great to meet fans and re-live some of my career highlights. I have memories here that’ll stay with me forever.
“It’s really important to support grass-roots rugby as these guys are the stars of the future. I started off as a scrum-half for Amman United, then got my first professional contract at Neath. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those clubs.”
The event was organised by SSE SWALEC, and tickets to Finals Day are priced at £10 adults, £6 children.