The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has today announced the 2018 St David Awards finalists.

The St David Awards are the national awards of Wales which acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of people in or from Wales and recognise the great deeds and contributions made by people from all walks of life.

Announcing the finalists, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This event, now in its fifth year, is a celebration to acknowledge just some of the people who have had input to make the significant difference to someone else’s life, overcome adversity or have achieved something truly inspirational.

“Once again, the St David Awards finalists are an exceptional group of people.

" Every single one is a credit to Wales. I look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements at the awards ceremony on March 22.”

The categories include Bravery; Citizenship; Culture; Enterprise; Innovation, Science and Technology; International; Sport and Young Person are as follows.

Former Llandovery College student and international rugby player Alun Wyn Jones has been nominated for his contribution to sport.

Jones is a Welsh rugby union player who is currently captain of the Wales national team and the Ospreys.

He has won nine caps for the British and Irish Lions and is one of only seven players who have beaten South Africa, Australia and New Zealand whilst touring these countries.

He also became the first player to play in every test match on three successive tours for the British and Irish Lions.

Alun began his rugby career by playing for Bonymaen RFC before progressing to play for the Ospreys for the past twelve years. He made his test debut for Wales in June 2006 against Argentina.

In 2008, he was a member of the Wales Grand Slam winning side and he first captained Wales against Italy during the Six Nations the follow year.

In 2013, Alun Wyn was chosen as the British and Irish Lions match captain for the deciding third test against Australia which the Lions won 41–16.

This made him the first substitute captain to lead the Lions to victory in the final test of a series since 1904.