Welsh rugby heroes Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert were welcomed with open arms to an Usk gallery last Wednesday night (17th April).

The national players were attending the final night of an exhibition by Elin-Sian Blake at the Gallery in the Square.

The artist's work, entitled 'Icons, exploring the passion of the national game', features paintings of Wales' latest Six Nations winning team.

Elin said: "It is incredible to see so many people here. The Six Nations is so popular I just wanted to celebrate the massive success of our team.

"The exhibition has been open for the past six weeks and it has been wonderful. I have nearly sold every piece, and I've even had to do replacements of some. They are still available through the gallery though."

Elin, usually an equine painter, has worked with the gallery since graduating 6 years ago and just tried rugby once last year and found it a huge success.

Author and columnist Carolyn Hitt was also present, signing copies of her bestselling book 'Wales play in Red'.

"Elin is an amazing talent and working with her has been a really nice experience. She is so quick to respond to things going on in with her art. She got her Six Nations paintings out almost quicker than I could get my match reports out!"

Contacted by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to attend the event, Leigh and Alex had been chosen as the subject for Elin's largest paintings, and they spared plenty of their time to greet the waiting fans.

"I saw a copy of the picture on Twitter and got interested in the exhibition. I've had a couple of cartoons sent to me over the years which are always funny but no one has painted me seriously like this before," said Cardiff Blues wing Alex Cuthbert.

"I am quite proud to see myself up there and it is an honour to be painted by such a good artist like Elin. I think the rest of boys will be quite jealous too!"

Swansea-born full back Leigh Halfpenny said: "I never thought I would be in a painting in an art gallery, it's a bit overwhelming.

"It is my first time in Usk but the people here have been really welcoming."

Gallery owner David Sansom said: "I am delighted to have the boys here. This is the most successful exhibition we have had in 10 years.

"We are pleased to support the youth team. The shirt we auctioned on the opening night raised almost £1000, we hope to raise the same tonight."

The opening night in February saw former Wales and British Lion Stars Scott Quinnell, Gerald Davies, Bryn Meredith and Hayden Morgan attend the gallery.

Emilie Parry-Williams, otherwise known as Miss Monmouthshire, was also on hand to welcome the guests. She said: "I really enjoyed being there to support the gallery and also to see the amazing work of the Welsh artist.

"Rugby is part of Welsh heritage, it is a great sport for young people to get involved with as it helps them have something to focus on, and also gives them the opportunity to socialise with other young people. It was great to see the children's faces in the gallery light up at the sight of Leigh and Alex".

Pictured is Elin with her young daughter and the boys, as well as Miss Monmouthshire and gallery owner David Sansom.