CAPTAIN Alun Wyn Jones made it an extra special night for the men’s national rugby team at the Celtic Manor as he picked up the BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year award.

The 34-year-old second row led the Welsh team to a third Six Nations Grand Slam under Warren Gatland, before guiding his country to the World Cup semi-finals in Japan.

"To have the recognition of being nominated was more than enough in such a quality field of fellow competitors," said Jones.

"It's pretty special not only for me but for my team-mates, my family... it's massive.

"I do feel I should be up here (on stage) with another 30-45 blokes to be honest, as strength in numbers is always good."

Para-athlete Sabrina Fortune, a world champion in the shot put, was second in the public vote, while taekwondo’s Jade Jones made up the top three.

Gwent’s amateur boxing world champion Lauren Price, para-athlete Hollie Arnold, sailor Hannah Mills, cyclist Elinor Barker and para-alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick were the other contenders.

Jones and Wales team-mates including Leigh Halfpenny and George North had earlier accepted the Team of the Year award, a category which also featured Michael Flynn’s Newport County.

Meanwhile, Gatland, who 12-year reign as Wales head coach came to an end in Japan, received the Coach of the Year award.

It was also a memorable night for Gwent boxing legend Joe Calzaghe as he followed Tanni-Grey Thompson as winner of the Lifetime Achievement award.

Calzaghe enjoyed an incredible career in the ring, winning all 46 professional fights and claiming the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF super-middleweight belts plus The Ring light-heavyweight title.

After accepting the honour, the 47-year-old from Blackwood (pictured below) dedicated it to his late father Enzo, who coached him throughout his time in the sport.

South Wales Argus:

“It’s a massive honour and this award is also for my family, and obviously my father, so I’m very proud tonight,” he said. “He would have loved it and I’m sure he’s up there looking down.”

Canoeist Etienne Chappell won the Carwyn James young sportsman award, with the young sportswoman crown going to wheelchair motocross athlete Lily Rice.

Those who helped Olympic champion Mills won the Coaching Chain award, youngster Mia Lloyd was named Inspiring Person of the Year, the Getting Wales Active gong went to Goodgym Cardiff & The Vale, the Great Sport Story of the Year was the Homeless World Cup and Delwyn Derrick received the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero accolade.