FORMER Wales, British Lion, and Pontypool RFC palyer Eddie Butler entertained a full to bursting Lloyds Bank Rugby Lunch in Cardiff.

Now a BBC broadcaster, the former Monmouth School student and Cambridge University graduate, who prepares meticulously before rugby commentaries, spoke of his life in the game entertaining a full house.

The number eight, who is also a published novelist, captained Wales and Pontypool and also excelled when he turned out for the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians.

The charity rugby lunch was kicked off with an introduction and welcome by Lloyds Bank’s Rob Barber, area director, Cardiff and south east Wales

There have been 15 annual Lloyds Rugby Lunches during which time around £235,000 has been raised.

For the last seven years the event has partnered with Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care. It is anticipated that £20,000 will have been raised through the most recent event.

Stalwart and regular attendee at the Lloyds Bank Rugby Lunch Phil Steele was compere for the lively event which included entertainment from funny man Ian Irvine.

Rob Barber, of Lloyds Bank, said: “Eddie, who has a proud record of playing for Wales, Pontypool, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians, was a wonderful guest for the annual Lloyds Bank Rugby Lunch.

“The lunch, which sees funds raised on the day match funded by Lloyds Bank, has raised more than £235,000 over the years which we’re confident we will have bolstered considerably by the latest event.”

Former Wales and Cardiff wing, Adrian Hadley, deputy chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “Thelunch is a highlight of the year for many who come back year on year booking their place at the end of one ever ready for the next one in the following year.

“We’re indebted to Lloyds for their continued support for what is a very valuable source of funds for our charity enabling us to continue to carry our vital work in the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

“We’re now planning for next year’s lunch which we have provisionally booked for the last Friday in January 2020 again at Sophia Gardens, which is always an excellent venue and where we are looked after famously.

For more details about St David’s Hospice Care and the annual Lloyds Bank Rugby Lunch visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org

The Lloyds Rugby Lunch included a well-supported auction for a variety of sporting memorabilia including three framed Player of the Tournament British and Irish Lions shirts which was won with a winning bid of £1,000 by Gary Parker, of Newport-based Parker and Co Accountants.