Rugby journalist and Brecon & Radnor Express correspondent Huw S Thomas is set to release a book not only for Llandovery fans but for the wider rugby public.

"Blwyddyn Bythgofiadwy - A Chronicle of an Unforgettable Season" chronicles the fortunes of Llandovery RFC's 2023/24 season over 192 pages.

Even the club’s Patron, King Charles III - whose photo appears on the inside cover - will receive a copy, as a fond memory of the days he and the Queen spent at their country home, Llwynywermod.

During the 2023-2024 season, the Drovers won the WRU National Cup, topped the Indigo Premiership table, and triumphed in the Indigo Premiership play-off final against Newport.

The keys to that success are woven into the book’s pages: “excellent coaching, fine players, sound tactics, intelligence, adaptability and bravery.”

Veteran journalist Thomas - who coined the term "Drovers" back in 1993 - has covered Welsh rugby since retiring as Head of French at Llandovery College in 1996.

In addition to a blow-by-blow account of all 29 games played (27 of which were won), the book delves into the club’s current strengths to uncover the reasons behind their triumphant season, as well as contributions made by former servants of the club.

There are contributions from Llandovery players, coaches, committee members, kitmen, physiotherapists and fans, as well as articles by TV commentator Phil Steele and British and Irish Lion Wyn Jones.

The book includes results, statistics, tables, and pen portraits of the Llandovery squad, filled with intriguing facts.

There is humour, too. Skipper Jack Jones, who missed the play-off final due to injury, remarks: “I saw the win over Newport from the touchline under the stand, but I swear to you I made every tackle, hit every ruck and maul, won every line-out ball, wound up the opposition, had my usual chat with the referee, and nearly got sent off!”

Thomas also weaves points of contention into the narrative. He bemoans the WRU’s neglect of 7s rugby and questions the Scarlets’ lack of interest in Llandovery’s top players, particularly why scrum-half Lee Rees hasn’t been given a chance at the regional level.

The book concludes with a section on "Special Events During a Special Season," accompanied by high-quality photos by Ian Williams.

And what comes through finally is how fortunate the club is, that Risk Management and its director John Herring continue their support of the club by funding all production costs.

All proceeds from the book will go to the funding of the new 3G pitch.

Produced by Neil Morris of Touchdown Design in Talgarth, the book will be available for £20 in time for Christmas.

Orders are now being taken before the official launch at the club, after the Llandovery v Cardiff Super Rygbi Cymru league game on November 23.

All orders for the book can be made to Club Administrator Gina Deering at the Church Bank clubhouse.

Books can also be despatched through post and this will incur a small P&P charge.

Phone 01550 721389 or email [email protected] with your requirements.