Former Llanelli players inducted into Hall of Fame

By Robert Lloyd

THREE former Llanelli RFC Rugby Union players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame at St Helens Rugby League Football Club.

The three are Kel Coslett, Roy Mathias and John Warlow.

All three are keen followers of the Scarlets Rugby Union region and have been regular visitors to Stradey Park and Parc y Scarlets down the years.

The three were at St Helens Rugby League club for the unveiling of their portraits in the Hall of Fame.

Kel Coslett played representative level rugby union (RU) for Wales, and at club level for Aberavon RFC, and Llanelli RFC, as a goal-kicking full-back, representative level rugby league (Rl) for Wales, and at club level for St. Helens (captain), and Rochdale Hornets as a toe-end kicking style (rather than round the corner kicking style) goal-kicking fullback, prop, second-row, or loose forward/lock, i.e. number 1, 8 or 10, 11 or 12, or 13, and coached at club level for Rochdale Hornets, Wigan, and St. Helens.

Coslett made his international rugby union début for Wales as a full-back in the 1962 Five Nations Championship match against England. He also appeared that year in the Test matches against Scotland, and France, before shifting to the professional rugby league code in 1962 with St. Helens.

Coslett was also awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Rugby League.

Roy Mathias was born in Llanelli on September 2, 1949, and is a Welsh dual-code international rugby union, and professional rugby league, and footballer of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

He played representative level rugby union (RU) for Wales, and at club level for Felinfoel RFC, and Llanelli RFC, as a wing, i.e. number 11 or 14, and representative level rugby league (RL) for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for St. Helens, and Cardiff City (Bridgend) Blue Dragons, as a wing, or loose forward/lock, i.e. number 2 or 5, or 13, during the era of contested scrums.

Mathias won a cap playing Right-Wing for Wales (RU) while at Llanelli RFC in the 11–6 victory over France at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 4 April 1970.

Douglas John Warlow was born in Dafen, Llanelli, on February 13, 1939.

He is a Welsh former dual-code international rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and 1970s.

He played representative level rugby union (RU) for Wales, and at club level for Felinfoel RFC, and Llanelli RFC, as a prop, i.e. number 1 or 3, and representative level rugby league (RL) for Great Britain, and at club level for St. Helens (two spells), Widnes, and Rochdale Hornets, as a prop, or second-row, i.e. number 8 or 10, or 11 or 12, during the era of contested scrums.

Warlow won a cap for Wales (RU) while at Llanelli RFC in 1962 against Ireland.