Over 70 Rotarians, partners and guests enjoyed a special evening recently when Welsh rugby atar, Jonathan Davies, fresh from his superb exploits in the World Cup, was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland at their weekly meeting at Plas Hyfryd, Narberth.

Jonathan, from Bancyfelin, was accompanied by his proud parents and received the undivided attention of a fascinated audience who were gripped by the honest and modest account of his commendable achievements at the tender age of 24.

As well as telling of his experiences in the recent World Cup and the training programme involved, including the daunting cryogenic (very cold) training camp in Poland, Jonathan graphically illustrated the ups and downs of professional rugby - a game dotted with both the downside as well as the highs.

A serious injury early in his career called for strength of character, which he certainly has. It was clear that this aspect of his personality is combined with humour, an admirable modesty and charisma.

Jonathan is one of three local stars in the current Welsh squad which has recently returned from New Zealand. Scrum-half Mike Phillips and centre Scott Williams are also former pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Rotarians were especially grateful to head teacher Rob Newsome OBE both for arranging the occasion and introducing Jonathon to the audience.

It was especially appropriate that members of the sports department at Whitland's Ysgol Dyffryn Taf were present after recently winning the Outstanding Team of the Year award at Pearson Teaching Awards 2011 ceremony at London's Palace Theatre, a fact celebrated with applause from the audience.

Present, too, were current members of the school's rugby team and other pupils, together with representatives of both Whitland and Narberth senior rugby reams.

After his inspiring talk, Jonathon answered several questions from the audience. Inevitably there were many who wanted to have their photograph taken and Jonathon spent a lot of time satisfying every request.

Rotarian Naomi Bowie bought a rugby ball, signed by the Welsh squad, and the generous proceeds were donated to the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust which looks after the interests of severely injured Welsh rugby players.

The general opinion was that here was a young man who had already scaled the heights of rugby, but who, in so doing, has retained a commendable modesty. His family and Dyffryn Taf School are right to be proud of him and he is clearly an impeccable ambassador for his school and for Wales. Well done Jonathon.

The Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland send you their beat wishes for even more honours in the future.