WELSH rugby maestro Gareth Edwards (pictured) relived his Wales and British Lions exploits last week for the benefit of 100 Newport businesspeople at an Adecco breakfast at Celtic Manor.

He said that as Wales could not win the World Cup he was delighted England did, as it would be a tremendous shot-in-the-arm for all northern Hemisphere nations.

"In my day we didn't have to market the game, it sold itself. Now the kids can once again see what a fabulous environment the game offers and will strive to emulate today's heroes."

Mr Edwards, now a director of a number of South East Wales companies, made frequent comparisons between rugby and business.

He said: "There are so many different types of people with different disciplines required in a team and this makes it very similar to business."

He said he attributed his sporting sccess to the quality of the coaching he received as a schoolboy from teachers such as the late Bill Samuel.

"He created a reservoir of skills and fitness which I was able to draw upon for the rest of my career."

As a captain or a business leader Mr Edwards said you needed to understand the people around you and know what they respond to.

"Some people respond to a kick up the backside, others need to be counselled and encouraged.

"Barry John - who was to the 1970s what Johny Wilkinson is today - was so laid back you couldn't really fire him up before a game. But you could talk to him and help him to focus."

Mr Edwards told a very funny story about a young player, Ray Gravell, who came into the side at centre when he and colleagues Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies had been established for some time.

"He lacked confidence in his ability although his potential was huge. "We were playing Ireland and he came up to me during the game and said 'Gareth, how am I playing?'."

"I said, 'Duw, man, you look fantastic, I've never seen you play better. He then started throwing Irishmen all over the field and had a tremendous game.

"The following Tuesday we were playing against each other for our clubs, Cardiff and Llanelli.

"We emerged from the changing rooms at the same time and still buzzing from the Welsh game he said: "How's it going Gareth?'

"I squinted at him and feigned surprise and said 'Ray, you look so fat, you must have drunk 20 pints and had two curries since the Wales game'.

"He stared at me nervously and continued to do so throughout the first half.

"I kept making huge stomach gestures whenever I looked at him.

"At half time, Phil Bennett came over to me and said: 'For God's sake Gareth, tell Ray he's not fat, he's driving me bloody mad."