(Presented by Phil Steele).
Lewi was rekown throughout Llanelli and in rugby circles, throughout West Wales and by anyone attending Stradey Park.
He was induced into the Warriors Hall of Fame in Nov 2024, 11 years after he passed on.
The award was accepted by Bill Collins, who with his wife Marina, cared for Lewi for many years.
The Warriors already run the Lewi Cup in his memory
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/llanelliwarriorsrfc/a/lewis-jones-memorial-cup--the-lewi-52764.html
which includes this testimonial to him:
Lewis Jones - World's Greatest Linesman
Lewi Jones was a well known character around Llanelli and beyond, especially in rugby circles.
He was a dedicated Scarlets supporter who ran the line for many years before professionalism. International referee Clive Norling even asked his opinion on a decision during a local derby with Swansea. If two linesman were already appointed Lewi would often just carry on behind on of them. Lewi would often lead the crowd and his yellow and red cards would be branded at opposition players and supporters, sometimes even the officials. No wonder they stopped him bringing a whistle to matches!
When the Scarlets moved from Stradey there was a large petition to let him do a last lap of the field.
He was friends with many of the players, especially Phil Bennet and was Best Man at Ray Gravell's Wedding (rumour has it that he was in every official photo from the day, in a sharp pinstrip suit and very drunk)
Tributes when he passed came not just from Scarlets players but also the likes of Phil Steele, Adam Jones and Leigh Halfpenny.
The Scarlets held a minutes silence for him after his death - possibly unprecedented for someone with no official ties to the club.
Lewi was well known at rugby clubs throughout Llanelli & District. He would run the line for any of the local teams.
Trimsaran made him 'Officials Coordinator' at their Annual 7s Tournament.
He once turned up at 10:30am in Burry Port to carry out a pitch inspection for their 3pm match with the Llanelli Warriors.
He walked to Pontyberem through torrential rain to run the line for a match with Furnace.
"Mr. Rugby" - Pantyffynnon RFC
Phil was able to share his own memories of Lewi and how Lewi always reminded him of Ray Gravells comment: Phil Steele - not a bad full back, but not a bloody good one"
Bill also shared some memories of Lewi including a story from his friend and original Warrior Nigel Evans:
Nigel was in Pontyates rugby club for the annual 7s tournament, and his wife was running the bar. Naturally Lewi was there, and whenever they passed, Nigel would give Lewi money to buy himself a drink and a cigar, This happened a few times over the course of the day, until, with the rugby over, Nigel told his wife he was going back to the house to change. His wife asked him to settle his tab before he left, which was a surprise to Nigel, as he had paid for his drinks all day. Lewi however, had been going to the bar, ordering his pint and cigar and saying that Nigel was going to pay - by this time of course, Lewi had moved on, with Nigel's money.
Although Lewi never played for the Warriors, he was an integral part of the club and fully deserves his place in the Hall of Fame