A Llanelli rugby legend has been immortalised thanks to the work of a well-known artist in the town who is known for his eye-catching work. A trip to the New Biddulph Arms in New Street, Llanelli, will now allow punters to admire a mural in memory of the late great Phil Bennett, who sadly passed away aged 73 after a long illness. Affectionately known as Benny, he was one of the most recognisable and celebrated figures in Welsh rugby history.
He won 29 caps for Wales from 1969 to 1978, played for the Scarlets 413 times and starred for the Lions on two tours, to South Africa in 1974 and New Zealand three years later. A service of remembrance will be held at Parc y Scarlets Stadium on June 24. The Scarlets want those who wish to remember and honour him to attend a remembrance service for him and have asked for members of the public to attend wearing rugby jerseys of their choice to "honour Phil's incredible legacy".
Steve 'Jenks' Jenkins, whose work has previously featured the likes of Steadman Davies MBE and Ray Gravell, was keen to design a similar memorial for Mr Bennett, a figure whom he said "evokes really strong emotions" for everyone who lives in the town and who "deserves to be celebrated." The work depicts his face, along with a rugby ball and words which read: "In loving memory. Phil 'Benny' Bennett. 1948-2022." Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
READ MORE: Family of late Welsh rugby great go outside to find giant mural of him painted on a nearby building
Mr Jenkins said: "I really wanted to do a mural of Phil Bennett for the people of Llanelli, and the landlord of the New Biddulph Arms, Darren, got in touch with me and expressed interest in having it in their beer garden. It took quite a while. I struggled because of the heat. I was working off a sketch on my iPad and my iPad was actually overheating. It was the first time I've ever seen an overheating message on my iPad! I got there at 9am and I left there at 7pm in the night.
"Phil Bennett evokes really strong emotions with the people of Llanelli. He is a proper legend who needs to be celebrated. The feedback about the mural has been brilliant. It has had over 1,000 likes on different pages on Facebook and it has gone really well. Everyone who sees it has got a little story to tell about him. He will be long remembered after this and anyone who sees the mural will have something to say about it. It's only visible from the beer garden, so it's a good excuse to go and have a pint with Darren and go to see it! I am proud of it. It is nice to be involved with such projects which are so emotional for people and strike so many chords with people."
READ NEXT:
- 'I can't imagine Phil Bennett laughing at that' - Sir Clive Woodward namechecks Wales legend as he slams England 'farce'
- Phil Bennett honoured with touching Barbarians tribute from players moments before kick-off against England
- Gareth Edwards pays personal tribute to 'fantastic' Phil Bennett as he remembers best days of legends' friendship
- 'As though he had known me all my life' — Readers pay tribute to Phil Bennett and tell beautiful stories of meeting the great
- Plans to honour Phil Bennett are announced as fans to get chance to pay special tributes
