Gareth Edwards is one of rugby’s international heroes and was recently voted by those in the know as the greatest rugby player of all time. This Christmas, Gwasg Gwynedd publish his Welsh language autobiography, Gareth Edwards; Y Crwt o’r Waun (Gareth Edwards: The boy from Gwaun).

Recognised on the field as former scrum-half for Cardiff, Wales, the Barbarians and the Lions, and off the field as an astute commentator, his career has already been chronicled in numerous English books, but this is the first time he has put pen to paper in Welsh.

In this enjoyable book, Gareth recounts some unforgettable memories and highlights from his rugby career, including the try he scored in the most famous game of them all when the Barbarians faced New Zealand at the Cardiff Arms Park. He also recounts highlights that haven’t been heard before. For example, playing on behalf of ‘the enemy’ by representing England in the triple jump in Belfast while studying at Millfield School, or the time he thought an assassin was trying to kill him following a disappointing performance by Wales XV against Ireland.

Having been voted ‘The greatest player of all time’, Gareth’s achievements on the field are well known, but here we meet the man behind the title, the boy who grew up in Gwauncaegurwen, the friend who batted, bowled, passed, tackled and dribbled for hours on Archie’s field. We also get to know the young man who spent two years at boarding school, the player who travelled the world enjoying the game that he loved and meet Gareth the friend, husband, father and grandfather.

Gareth said, “Even though I’ve written a few English books, I decided this time to focus more on my upbringing in Gwauncaegurwen because I think that people are more interest in that part of my life. Rugby in an important game in Wales, so if the game is important, then so are the players.”

Gareth seized the opportunity to work with his close friend Alun Wyn Bevan on the book and they both enjoyed recalling their childhood memories.

Alun said, “I’ve written many books for both adults and children about rugby, but this is the first time I've worked with anyone on an autobiography. I must say I've enjoyed every second of it!

“Gareth and I both grew up on the slopes of the Black Mountain, myself in Brynaman and Gareth down the road in Gwauncaegurwen, and I'm as passionate about rugby as he is, so we had a lot of common ground. Most people use a tape recorder, but I just listened to his story and took notes. He has the most amazing memory and can remember events from his childhood and schooling in such detail, it's astounding. I hope I've managed to capture his sense of humour too, because there’s a lot of fun in the man behind the rugby legend."

Fun is certainly core in this book as Gareth Edwards recalls his childhood days, his world-wide travels and his antics on the field as well as his passion for fishing and golfing. It may be ‘that try’ that springs to the nation’s mind when you think of Gareth Edwards, but this book shows that despite it’s genius, the moment is merely a brief chapter in a sea of memories.