Local rugby fans treated to a night to remember

In front of more than 200 guests, Gatland was interviewed by Scrum V’s Rick O’Shea before participating in an audience question and answer session, and the 51-year-old spoke with refreshing honesty about his playing and coaching career and also entertained onlookers with some amusing stories.

The guests were welcomed by WRU Development Rugby Officer for Pembrokeshire Jonny Llewhellin, who gave an insight into the structures that were now in place for our county’s youngsters – and in particular the under 18s Schools Academy.

He spoke of the group’s partnership with the Strength Academy Wales centre in Haverfordwest, and also highlighted some of the young success stories to have emerged from local rugby in recent times – including Jordan Roberts, who this summer toured South Africa with Wales under 18s and Josh Macleod, who last month joined up with the Wales under 20s squad.

Llewhellin also thanked Pembrokshire County Council, and all the sponsors, coaches and managers who were currently contributing to making the Pathway structure a success.

And the young players themselves were also put to good use, serving as waiters throughout the evening while guests enjoyed a three course meal.

The charismatic Brian Harries then raised the tone in his role as auctioneer for the evening - and sure enough, a signed Welsh rugby shirt, signed British Lions shirt, a night and meal at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, and a signed Cardiff Blues rugby ball made a combined total of £1060 for junior rugby.

A bottle of champagne also went for £250, which was donated to Prostate Cymru as a mark of respect to Ray Williams, an ambassador for the charity who only last month was honoured with the Vernon Pugh award for his distinguished service to Welsh rugby.

Gatland then took centre stage, and in an interview with O’Shea, spoke about his childhood memories of watching the Welsh team of the 70s, and described the events that led to him becoming the country’s head coach in 2007.

He gave an amusing account of his first game in charge, a surprise win at Twickenham on route to the 2008 Grand Slam, and said: “After the match I was making my way down the tunnel when a reporter shoved a microphone in my face.

“He told me that when Graham Henry enjoyed initial success in Wales he became known as the great redeemer, and then asked what I would like to be known as.

“I replied - the lucky b**tard.”

He also talked about how essential it was that Geoge North was fast tracked into the Welsh set up, as Gatland knew North was also English qualified and eligible to play for the old enemy.

He spoke openly about the outside half situation in the Welsh squad, and said that the door was not closed on James Hook, despite not including the Gloucester player in his squad for the upcoming internationals. He also spoke about the different attributes of Rhys Priestland and Dan Biggar.

Inevitably, attention turned to his time as British Lions coach, and the decision to omit Brian O’Driscoll from that final victorious test against Australia.

"After the selection meeting, I said to the coaches that there was going to be a bit of a fallout from this - that proved to be a bit of an understatement," he joked.

“But seriously, I took no pleasure in dropping him and it was an incredibly tough decision – the hardest I’ve ever made.

“His presence on that tour helped and improved others. But the five of us (coaches) were unanimous with our selection decision for that final test.”

Telegraph Sport’s Bill Carne then hosted a question and answer session with Gatland, allowing the audience to put forward a wide range of queries.

Despite playing 17 times in representative games for the All Blacks,  Gatland spoke of his frustration of playing second fiddle to New Zealand legend and former hooker Sean Fitzpatrick, with the former having sat on the bench for more than 40 tests without winning a cap.

“You didn’t have replacements in those days unless there was an injury,” he said.

He was asked about working with ‘difficult’ players, and said that Gavin Henson’s image was based on bravado, and he was actually an introverted individual who “worked extremely hard” in training.

He added he hoped that when Mike Phillips retires, his contribution to Wales will not be tainted by his public misdemeanours.

And the former Waikato player finished on an upbeat note, talking positively about his side’s prospects in the World Cup and boldly stating Wales would beat the All Blacks later this month in Cardiff.

It was O’Shea who then rounded things off with his repertoire of entertaining tales, and he provided the conclusion to a highly successful evening.

After the event, a pleased Llewhellin told Telegraph Sport: "The evening was above and beyond what we expected thanks to the honest and humble presence that Warren gave us.

"The overwhelming support from the rugby community who were present also highlighted the support there is for the Player Pathway group and local rugby in general."

Llewhellin added his personal highlight was the charitable response to Prostate Cymru and Ray Williams, and expressed his gratitude to everyone who made it a "night to remember."