The ex-international stars teamed up for a new project after hanging up their boots
It’s been two decades since Lee Byrne first donned the Welsh jersey, marking the start of an illustrious international career that saw him become a pivotal figure in one of Wales’ most successful-ever rugby sides. Byrne, widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs to have ever played for his country, was instrumental in the team’s Grand Slam victory in 2008.
Over his career, he scored 10 tries and earned 46 caps for his country, and also represented the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa. Starting his career with Tondu and Bridgend, Byrne went on to play for Llanelli, the Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons, with a stint at French club Clermont sandwiched in between.
He retired in 2015 but has remained closely connected to the sport, embarking on a new business venture with some former teammates.
Joining forces with ex-Wales internationals Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and James Hook, Byrne was part of the team that launched FabFour Coffee in 2020. The name is a od to the nickname the group were given during their time playing for the Ospreys, Wales and the Lions.
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Between them, the quartet boast an impressive 308 Welsh caps and 10 appearances for the Lions, and have collectively scored a staggering 742 points for Wales on the international stage.
But after hanging up their boots, the friends decided to combine their shared love of coffee with their enduring friendship, launching a business that also supports their official charity partner, Velindre.
“To be honest, it was as important for us to have a reason to meet up and keep our friendship going as much as starting a business,” Byrne said in 2020.
“When we finished playing, we went from spending all our time together to going our separate ways, and we just wanted that shared interest to pull us back together again.”
Byrne keeps coffee enthusiasts updated about the venture through his Instagram page. While Phillips stepped down from his role at FabFour in 2023, the company has expanded by adding cakes to its offering.
The ‘Fab Four’ even boast their own distinctive coffee blend. Lee’s XV is billed as: “A fantastic blend of the best coffee of the season, well balanced with undertones of apricot and nectarine, a vibrant lime acidity and dark chocolate finish.”
The ex-full-back’s final Welsh cap came during their 66-0 thrashing of Fiji at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. But after being unable to overcome a shoulder problem, he was forced to hang up his boots four years later.
Following his retirement, he said: “I’m frustrated to be in this position, but happy to have fulfilled all my rugby ambitions at both club and international level.
“I have made terrific friends and have had incredible experiences. I would also like to thank [director of rugby] Lyn Jones for making me the Dragons captain.
“I’m glad I had the chance to play a small part in this season’s success and its great to know that I am leaving with the region on a high, with such good things to come.”