'Grandparents would be so proud' - Owens

FORMER Welsh rugby star Ken Owens has said speaking at the Welsh Labour conference would have made his grandparents prouder than his playing days.

- RUTH MOSALSKI

The Carmarthen-born retired Scarlets star, who had been rumoured to be standing as a Senedd candidate for Labour, is not going to stand for election to the Senedd in 2026. He introduced First Minister Eluned Morgan as a supporter as she went on stage to speak to party members at the Welsh Labour conference.

Owens, who comes from a long standing Welsh Labour-supporting family, said he first met Eluned Morgan when he was out leafleting for her bid to the European Parliament when he was seven.

"I've achieved a hell of a lot in my rugby career but for my grandparents, I think this would be a 'pinch me' moment, they'd be even prouder I get to speak at Labour Party conference," he said.