Former Wales international Gavin Henson made a surprise return to grassroots rugby by featuring for Pencoed against Hill-e-Saiu.
The 42-year-old has won 33 caps for his country, converting a penalty and a brace but failing to prevent his side falling 10-30 in the second-tier West Central League.
The match marked the former British and Irish Lions flyhalf’s first rugby match in five years and was attended by more than 500 fans.
Pencoed club chairman Terry Rees told WalesOnline: “It’s absolutely incredible and a huge boost for the club. The percentage he gave to that crowd… I don’t want to think about it.
“It’s amazing. He’s won the Wales and British and Irish Lions and we’re very proud of that.”
Henson began his career at Llanelli but made a name for himself in Welsh rugby with Swansea and Osprey.
He joined Saracens in 2010 and went on to play for Toulon, Cardiff, London Welsh, Bath and Bristol before spending two years with the Dragons before retiring in 2019.
Henson played a key role in Wales’ Grand Slam wins in 2005 and 2008, and also had a brief spell in rugby league with West Wales Raiders in 2021.
