A few days ago (2 November) marked 96 years since the birth of legendary Welsh rugby union player and coach, Carwyn James. Despite a good playing career that included being capped by the Welsh national side, he is undoubtedly best known for his stellar coaching career.
Who Was Carwyn James & Why is He Important?
Carwyn came from a coalmining family in Cefneithin, a village in the Carmarthenshire coalfield area. In those days, many rugby players had full-time jobs (I always think of J.P.R. Williams being a doctor) outside of rugby and Mr. James was an academic, being a teacher before later becoming a lecturer at Trinity College, Carmarthen.
For Wales, James was an outside-half at the same time as Cliff Morgan – a legendary Welsh player who later became synonymous with the BBC’s rugby programming. Because of this, James, though a talented player, only managed to secure two caps for the Welsh national side. His story as a coach, however, is far more successful.
As coach of Llanelli and the British & Irish Lions, James had many feats. As coach of the Lions, James is perhaps best remembered for the 1971 triumphant tour to New Zealand. There, his Lions team became the first (and only) Lions side to ever win a series against the All Blacks. With Llanelli, he led them to a historic victory over the All Blacks at Stradey Park, Llanelli, in 1972 – he also won four consecutive Welsh Cups between 1973 and 1976.
If only he had coached Wales, eh?
James was also a man of political principle. Most notably, he famously protested against Apartheid in South Africa by refusing to leave the changing rooms as Llanelli lost to South Africa. He also had strong views on the subject of Welsh independence and identified as a Welsh nationalist, even standing as a candidate in the Llanelli seat for Plaid Cymru in the 1970 General Election.
Though unconfirmed and not right to speculate, it was widely assumed at the time that James – unmarried – was gay. The times were very different and it is known that James struggled with loneliness. Dying in 1983 at just 53 years of age means that, perhaps, James himself never learned the answer.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – November 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine November 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for November 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of the Welsh Kings – the early Welsh rulers who came to prominence in the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Don’t expect to see the esteemed Welsh princes (Llywelyn Fawr, Rhys ap Gruffydd and so forth) in this magazine as this issue focuses solely on those who were referred to as Kings, not princes. This magazine has been on the cards for quite some time and, hopefully, you enjoy it!
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We also continue with the recent theme of different “did you know?” type fun facts within this magazine, though this time each fact relates to the topic of the Welsh Kings (or is somehow relevant to them). This is, to date, the only issue of Welsh Histories Magazine which covers the Kings specifically.
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.