**Ken Owens Says Welsh Labour Conference Appearance Would Have Made His Grandparents Prouder Than Rugby Glory**
Renowned former Wales rugby captain Ken Owens, a household name for his exploits on the field, has revealed that a moment off the pitch may have eclipsed anything he achieved as an international sportsman—at least in the eyes of his family. Speaking at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, Owens told party delegates that addressing their gathering would have made his grandparents “even prouder” than seeing him represent Wales in rugby’s most famous stadiums.
Owens, who officially retired from rugby in 2023 following a decorated career, took to the podium not as a candidate but as a passionate supporter of Welsh Labour. Despite speculation in recent months that he might seek election as a Member of the Senedd in 2026, he put those rumours to rest, confirming he would not be standing for office.
The Carmarthen-born star enjoys deep roots in Welsh Labour, a connection that dates back to his early childhood. Owens reminisced about his first encounter with the current First Minister, Eluned Morgan, which took place when he was just seven years old. At that tender age, he was already helping to distribute leaflets in support of Morgan’s bid to win a seat in the European Parliament—a memory he recalled fondly in his speech.
“In my rugby career, I’ve managed a great deal,” said Owens, reflecting on past triumphs. “But for my grandparents, this—standing here at the Labour conference—would be a real ‘pinch-me’ moment. They would be even prouder of this than anything I did on the pitch.” Speaking to an attentive audience, Owens drew parallels between the demands of rugby and the challenge facing his party. “Most of you know me from the rugby field—scrums, scars, and hard-fought wins. Now Labour faces its own battles. We’re in it together.”
In characteristic fashion, Owens linked his sporting leadership to civic and communal responsibility: “Being a captain is about far more than leading a team. It’s about embodying and carrying your nation. I was lucky enough to do that for Wales, and I see many of the same values here: belief, community, perseverance—these are not only rugby values, they’re Welsh values; Labour values.”
The former hooker stressed how formative his upbringing was. “I was raised in a Labour household. My earliest lessons were about fairness, doing right by your community. I remember leafleting for Eluned Morgan as a child. She won’t want me to mention it, but these experiences shaped my understanding of service.”
Owens also paid tribute to Morgan’s strengths as a leader. “What sets great leaders apart is that it’s never about them—it’s about building belief within the team. That’s what Eluned is doing for Welsh Labour,” he remarked. “She’s grounded, passionate, and not only talks about Wales but fights for it every day.”
In a more reflective tone, Owens shared insight into the camaraderie of successful teams, whether on the rugby field or in politics. “What kept us going was trust, teamwork, and never losing sight of who we were playing for—not ourselves, but our badge and our supporters. That’s what Welsh Labour must aim for now.”
When the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, took the stage—her arrival set to the rousing tune of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”—she too noted the legacy of public service in Owens’ family. Recalling canvassing days in Carmarthen, she remembered a conversation with Owens’ mother that reinforced just how extraordinary her son’s rugby achievements had become.
Owens’ appearance at the Welsh Labour conference ultimately served not only as an endorsement of Eluned Morgan’s leadership and vision for the future, but also as a testament to his enduring commitment to the values of community, perseverance, and justice. For a player who has worn the Wales shirt with such distinction, it is telling that service to Labour, and to Wales, remains such a deeply personal point of pride—one, he believes, that would have meant everything to the grandparents who first set him on his path.