Welsh rugby international Dan Lydiate is tackling a new role – promoting JCB’s famous yellow machines. The 6ft 4in flanker, who tips the scales at nearly 18 stone, is putting his weight behind JCB Agriculture as a brand ambassador.


Welsh rugby international Dan Lydiate, pictured in his British and Irish Lions shirt

Dan is from a sheep farming family in Llandrindod Wells, Wales and JCB has supplied him with a JCB Loadall 526-56 Agri and a WORKMAX 800D UTV, which are proving invaluable for materials handling tasks and for transporting animals around the 500-acre farm during lambing. In return he will be involved in JCB’s marketing campaigns and making appearances at a number of trade shows in Wales and France.

Edward Roach, JCB Sales & Marketing Manager, said: “Dan is a tough player, with real physical presence and strength who always shows maximum commitment, something he shares with JCB machines.”

Dan said: “I’m really looking forward to working with JCB, which is a great British company with a fantastic reputation for quality products, something we have first-hand experience of on the farm.”

Originally from Salford, Dan is famous for his no-compromise style of play for Racing Metro, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. In the 2012 Six Nations Championship, Dan was named the Player of the Tournament, while in the triumphant 2013 Lions win in Australia, he was the only back row player to feature in all three tests.