Welsh rugby legend Delme remembers his glory years

PHOTOS:
Delme with Pembrokeshire Sports' Bill Carne
Delme with his cousin Roy Thomas, the Mayor of Haverfordwest

 
A veritable legend of Welsh Rugby paid a visit to Haverfordwest last week as Delme Thomas signed copies of his new book, entitled simply ‘Delme The Autobiography’ at the Victoria book shop.
 

Now 72 years old, it seems the rugby fraternity still remember the man who, on October 31st, 1972, led a Llanelli team that would go down in rugby folklore after beating the New Zealand tourists at Stradi Park.
 
The Scarlets’ coach that day was Carwyn James and it was he who told Delme on a number of occasions that he should record the memories of that amazing day, and Delme’s reminiscences of his Welsh caps and three trips to the Southern Hemisphere with the British Lions.
 

Fascinating story of a time long gone

 
So after many years of putting his autobiography off, Delme has worked with Alan Gibbard to produce a fascinating story of a time when players weren’t paid and a Lions’ tour covered over a third of a year!
 
Joining him at the signing was his cousin Roy Thomas, now in his third term as mayor of Haverfordwest, who looked back on their childhood together in Bancyfelin and could remember Delme in short trousers throwing a rugby ball about.
 

Regular flow at the Victoria Bookshop

 
Delme also had surprise visits from others whom he knew from his younger days and a strong flow of people who wanted him to sign his book and have photographs taken.
 
All were treated with great courtesy by the former Welsh player, who told Telegraph Sport,
“It has been a pleasure to have so many people turning up and I hope they enjoy what we have written.”
 
As one lady said,
“What a brilliant surprise present for my husband; it will make his Christmas!”
 
And a fascinating reading it is, which is still available at the Victoria Book Shop in Haverfordwest, published by y Llofa at £9.95.