As the league campaign takes a break, the nation's attention turns to the Welsh national team's performances in the inaugural Nations Championship. Today's Welsh internationals carry the responsibility of inspiring the next generation. But 127 years ago, one man was already doing just that, as he became Ystrad's first-ever Welsh international: Willie Llewellyn.

Llewellyn made his senior debut for Ystrad at just 18 years of age. His ability and potential were quickly recognised and, two years later, in 1899, he moved to Llwynypia, who, alongside Penygraig, were the leading clubs in the area at the time.

It was also in 1899 that Llewellyn made his international debut for Wales against England. Both Llewellyn and the Welsh team produced an outstanding performance, comprehensively defeating England. Llewellyn scored four tries, setting a new record at the time – a feat that would later be equalled by another 'Man of Ystrad', Maurice Richards, in 1969.

In 1900, Llewellyn moved to London to study at the Pharmaceutical College in Bloomsbury, where he joined London Welsh. At the time, the club was struggling, but Llewellyn's arrival proved to be a turning point. Immediately appointed captain, he helped transform the team from a struggling side into a formidable force.

On returning to Wales, Llewellyn joined first-class club Newport, where he would spend the next four seasons.

In 1905, he captained Wales and was a key member of the side that defeated the touring New Zealand All Blacks in the famous 'Match of the Century'. It was a defining moment in Welsh rugby history. During his international career, Llewellyn made 20 appearances for Wales and was part of three Triple Crown-winning teams in 1900, 1902 and 1905.

His achievements extended beyond international rugby. In 1904, Llewellyn toured Australasia with the British Isles team, featuring in four Test matches. He made a particularly impressive contribution against Australia, scoring four tries across the first three Tests.

Away from the rugby field, Llewellyn also made his mark in his home community. Around 1905, he opened a pharmacy in his birthplace of Tonypandy. Perhaps a reflection of the esteem in which he was held, is that legend has it that during the 1910 Tonypandy Riots, his pharmacy was left untouched by the rioters, reportedly due to his sporting celebrity!

When Willie Llewellyn died in Pontyclun in 1973, aged 95, he was the last surviving member of the legendary 1905 Welsh team that defeated the Original All Blacks. He is remembered as a modest man, an outstanding captain for both club and country, and one of the most devastating wing players in the history of Welsh rugby.

From making his senior debut for Ystrad as an 18-year-old to captaining Wales and becoming part of one of the greatest teams in Welsh rugby history, Willie Llewellyn's journey is a remarkable one.

127 years ago, a young man began his rugby journey at Ystrad before going on to reach the very pinnacle of the international game. His story is a reminder that greatness can begin anywhere. For the next generation of Ystrad players, Willie Llewellyn's legacy should serve as an inspiration to dream big, work hard and believe that anything is possible.