A small South Wales weekly is claiming its own sporting victory after securing a top rugby star to pen an exclusive World Cup diary for the duration of the tournament which starts on Friday.

Wales and Ospreys wing Shane Williams is the subject of what the Ammanford-based South Wales Guardian, which sells 8,850 copies weekly, is calling "the signing of the summer".

The 30-year-old star, who has been capped 47 times by Wales, grew up in nearby Glanaman and still lives locally.

Guardian editor Mike Lewis said: "Shane is a world-class sportsman who has remained close to his roots and I know Guardian readers will enjoy an exclusive insight into the thoughts of someone who could be one of the stars of this World Cup."

Unfazed by the news Wales are being quoted as 100-1 outsiders to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy, Mike said: "With sport you must expect the unexpected.

"I named my house after Foinavon, the 100-1 shot who won the 1967 Grand National.

"Everyone thinks I'm mad, but I've a lot of money riding on Wales - I won't tell you precisely how much because if my wife reads this she'll probably divorce me."