AN impressive line-up of former international rugby players will line-up against Lydney under the Regents-holme floodlights next Wednesday to represent a Steve James Invitation XV.
The match is part of Steve's Benefit Year events and the Glamorgan County cricket club captain will be returning to his favourite ground with a star-studded line-up.
Steve made many memorable appearances at full-back for Lydney before his rugby career was cut short by his cricketing commitments.
But he will not be at full-back for his Regentsholme return - instead he will be on the wing, allowing his full-back berth to be taken by his former Cambridge University colleague Alan Buzza, an England 'A' and Cornwall full-back.
And another former Cambridge student will also be in the line-up – Cardiff and Wales centre Mike Hall will be among 10 international players in his team.
Steve's rugby connections are nationwide and he will include former Gloucester players Peter Jones and Malcolm Preddy as props.
But the Welsh link is strong and some top names will test Lydney to the full with the classy Mike Rayer in action as well as Swansea's Andy Booth and former Cardiff stars Mark Ring, John Humphries, Derwyn Jones and Mike Whitson.
There will also be a Regentsholme return for former Lydney coach and club captain Rhodri Lewis who made many appearances for Cardiff and also played for Wales.
The full team will be announced next week.
Lydney coach Adrian Knox – who was Steve's best man – says the club will field a full strength team for what should be a great evening.
"If the weather is kind there should be a good turn-out and we do not intend to let Jamer have things all his own way. In fact we don't intend to let him have anything at all.
"A few of us are slightly offended not to have been invited to play in the All Stars line-up so the plan is to take full revenge," joked Knox.