Rugby hero Roy Bergiers honoured at West Wales Sports Aid lunch

by Robert Lloyd

Rugby hero Roy Bergiers was honoured at the West Wales Sports Aid lunch held at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen.

The former Llanelli Scarlets, Wales and British Lions rugby player was presented with a special award in memory of former West Wales Sports Aid committee chairman Nigel Harrison-Rees.

Mr Harrison-Rees died in office as chairman of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid Wales.

Richard Gealy, secretary and vice-president of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid Wales, said: “Nigel worked tirelessly for Sports Aid for more than 25 years and was chairman for the last eight years of his life.

“Nigel was a kind and generous gentleman, always concerned with the well-being of others. Sports Aid Wales would not be what it is today without his loyal commitment and enthusiasm.”

The Nigel Harrison-Rees award is now presented annually to a sportsman or sportswoman who has achieved distinction in their field or in recognition of a lifetime’s contribution to sport.

The first recipient of the award was Claire Williams, bronze medallist in the F11/F12 discus throw at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Roy Bergiers, the try-scoring hero of Llanelli’s world famous 1972 ‘9-3’ win over the All Blacks of New Zealand, continues to work tirelessly for sport in Carmarthenshire helping junior football and grass-roots rugby.

The award recognised a lifetime of contribution to sport in Carmarthenshire and beyond.

The award was presented by Nigel Harrison-Rees’s daughters, Helena and Cathryn.

Roy said he was taken aback by the award as it came as a total surprises. He added: “It is a wonderful honour and I very grateful to everyone involved in the award for the recognition.”