Former Wales and Lions star Brynmor Williams says he is “blown away” at receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The 70-year-old ex-Cardiff, Swansea and Newport scrum-half has been recognised for his services to sport and charity in Wales.
“I’m thrilled, privileged and very surprised. I didn’t see it coming. I knew absolutely nothing at all about it,” he says. “Then I had a letter about three weeks ago. I thought ‘What’s this?’. It was a big thick yellow envelope from the Cabinet office. I thought it was from the revenue! I didn’t put two and two together at all.
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“I am almost embarrassed talking about it. I think ‘Why me?’. I am sort of smiling with delight and smiling with ‘Oh my God, what’s happened here?’ I’m just a normal bloke.
“I would never have thought my credentials were ever strong enough for this type of recognition. I am a bit blown away by it all. I just wish my mum and dad were alive because they would be very proud.”
On the rugby front, the Cardigan-born Williams won three caps for Wales and started three Tests for the Lions on their 1977 tour of New Zealand, while he has gone on to be a pundit on television and radio in both English and Welsh. You can read all about his sporting life here.
In his business life, he has worked in the insurance sector and is currently group Sales and Marketing Director with Thomas Carroll Group. He has been involved with numerous charities over the years, notably the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust - which helps look after players with life-changing injuries - Velindre Hospital, Prostate Cymru, Ty Hafan and Fields in Trust Wales.
“I have just done what I can when I can. I like to think I represent the hundreds of people that do unseen work for charity with this award,” said the Cowbridge-based former No 9.
Williams’ two sons have both followed him into careers in rugby. Cardiff scrum-half Lloyd has 32 won caps for Wales, while former Llanelli and Cardiff wing Tom is now coaching at Jersey.
