Frank Williams playing for Neath in 1948 Enlarge Image

Every player who turned out for the Welsh All Blacks in the post-war era was invited to the Gnoll ground.

Neath RFC said the day was "long overdue" as it had not organised such an event before.

Those invited on Saturday included 80-year-old Frank Williams, who played scrum-half for Neath at the club's first home game following World War II.

He said he grew up in Rosser Street dreaming of one day playing for Neath, paying three shillings and sixpence for his season ticket as a youngster.

Mr Williams had the perfect start to his career, scoring a try and creating another as Neath beat Llanelli 15-3.

It was an honour to play for them all Elvet Jones, aged 86, Neath RFC 1949 - 53

Another invited was Elvet Jones, 86, who played for Neath between 1949 and 1953.

He said he had not seen any of his former team-mates for "many many years."

"I played with people like Viv Evans and Roy Jenkins, who played many times for Wales, but they have both passed away," he said.

During his career he also played for Llanelli, Swansea and Cardiff and twice for Wales.

Rucks and mauls

But his international appearances against England and France were in the first season after WWII, when none of the home nations awarded caps.

"I enjoyed my time at Neath - they are all good memories. It was an honour to play for them all," added Mr Jones.

"I was a wing forward - what you would call a flanker now. There are too many rucks and mauls these days. The referees need to be stronger."

All the players were treated to lunch and stand tickets for Neath's home match with Llandovery.

The reunion continued into the evening with a question and answer session and recorded messages from former players unable to attend.

Neath's business development manager Deena Barton said it was the first time the club had staged such an event.