AN English-language version of a book detailing the influence of Aberystwyth on the life of a Welsh rugby legend whose name adorns the sports science building at Aberystwyth University has been launched.

The life of Carwyn James, most famous for his coaching achievements for both Llanelli and the British and Irish Lions, is explored in the biography Into The Wind by Alun Gibbard, just as Warren Gatland’s Lions take on the All Blacks in the latest test series in New Zealand.

The book was released by Y Lolfa in Welsh in December last year.

Carwyn played rugby for the university second team, and in his first year switched to play for the then-new Aberystwyth Rugby Club in their first season in 1947.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my rugger at Aber, mainly I suppose, due to the marvellous spirit of the team,” Carwyn is quoted in the book as saying.

His teammate at Aberystwyth Rugby Club, Ellis Davies says in the book: “A lot of us were young men who were greatly interested in rugby and we decided it would be a good idea to form a rugby club.

“In those early days, when Carwyn joined us, we played on a piece of land nearby the Gasworks in town – it was hardly a rugby field.

“It was clear that the young student who came to us at the beginning of term in 1948 was very gifted.

“It was a pleasure to see him play – he was very professional.

“He was younger than most of us but his talent was quite clear.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now