UGBY legend Dai Watkins (pictured) was banned from driving and fined £750 yesterday after admitting drink-driving.

The 61-year-old chairman of Newport Rugby Club was more than twice the legal limit when he drove home from a Christmas lunch in Cardiff, Cardiff magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Mike Evans said Watkins, of Watts Close, High Cross, Newport, was seen by police on December 19, driving a BMW which hit the pavement then stalled at traffic lights.

It then swerved towards the central reservation before being corrected and the vehicle later stalled again.

Police switched on their blue flashing light, but Watkins initially failed to notice and continued to drive.

Mr Evans said the BMW continued to swerve and when Watkins stopped the car, he appeared to be unsteady on his feet and staggered away from his vehicle.

"Officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol," he said.

He was taken to a police station where he was found to have 73 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - more than twice the legal limit of 35.

Alun Morgan, defending, said that Watkins and his business associates had been for a meal at Le Monde restaurant and he had "consumed a few glasses of wine".

He was unable to take a taxi, Mr Morgan said, and "foolishly" decided to drive.

"This case has caused Mr Watkins a great deal of embarrassment, both professionally and personally," Mr Morgan added. "It is the worst thing he has ever done in his life. He is utterly embarrassed and ashamed by his actions.

"He is deeply sorry for what he has done."

Watkins, who has been chairman of Newport Rugby Club for nearly ten years, was also ordered to pay £55 costs. His 20 month driving ban will be reduced to 15 months if he successfully completes a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

During his playing career he won 21 caps for Wales and played for Newport in 1963 when the team beat New Zealand.

He switched to rugby league aged 25, and played for Salford, becoming the first player to captain Great Britain in rugby union and rugby league.