While they created the perfect blend on the pitch, four former Wales rugby stars are now looking to create a perfect blend off the pitch.
Coffee lovers Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne have tried to match flavours that reflect their individual characters and attributes as players.
Boasting a combined 308 Welsh caps and 10 British and Irish Lions appearances, the players amassed 742 points for Wales, earning them the nickname the Fab Four when they starred for Ospreys, Wales and the Lions.
The new venture was started in a bid to create some great tasting coffee, keep their friendship intact, and make a contribution to a worthy cause.
"To be honest, it was as important for us to have a reason to meet up and keep our friendship going as much as starting a business," said Mr Byrne.
"When we finished playing, we went from spending all our time together to going our separate ways, and we just wanted that shared interest to pull us back together again."
The foursome have received a huge amount of support and guidance from Huw Williams at the Welsh Coffee Company, who ethically source the high quality speciality grade African and Central and South American green beans before lightly roasting on the Gower.
“We’d been looking for a business venture for some time, and we all love coffee, so why not start our own coffee brand with some great flavours that reflect our own personalities," added Mr Hook.
"As things start to look a bit more optimistic going into 2021, we want our Fab Four coffee to give people a bit of a lift."
The new drinks venture will sit alongside the numerous other business, sports and broadcasting interests they have developed since hanging up their boots.
Wales’ record try scorer and former IRB Player of the Year Shane Williams MBE is a patron for Velindre, and is regularly involved in energetic fundraising efforts.
He said: "For us to have fun building a brand that is made in Wales and can give something back to a fantastic charity in what’s been a really difficult year is all we want.
"It’s been lovely working together again, and let’s just see how far we can take this. Who knows, with global warming we may one day be able to grow the coffee beans in the Amman Valley!"
Wales’ most capped scrum-half Mike Phillips might be based in Dubai, but he’s well on board with his friends.
Mr Phillips said: “Since we decided on a coffee brand, it’s come together really quickly and we’re really pleased with the product and its packaging. I bet mine sells the most.”
Launching in time for the Christmas market, the boys are looking at a variety of retail and distribution opportunities for early next year.
Fab Four coffee is available through fabfourcoffee.com - a website developed by Turf Creative, with caricatures created by Richard Bradbeer for Velindre.
