Jonathan Davies and Ken Owens honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at Eisteddfod

Welsh rugby stars Jonathan Davies and Ken Owens have been honoured at this year's National Eisteddfod.

The pair were officially honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards for their contribution to Wales at the event being held in Llanrwst, Conwy.

Centre Davies, from Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, told ITV Wales it was a "huge honour" to be part of the ceremony.

Ken Owens, who is originally from Pontyberem, said it was "great to be part of something a little bit different".

The annual ceremony is an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales.

Musician Catrin Finch was also among those honoured. She received a green robe for her contribution to the arts.

Davies and Owens were presented with blue robes during this year's event in Llanrwst.

They said they were hoping to enjoy some of the food on offer at the Eisteddfod but had to head back to Cardiff for training on Tuesday.

Davies said the ceremony was "pretty easy" compared to the World Cup training camp the squad have just returned from in Switzerland.

"We've worked extremely hard - we've still got a lot to do", Davies said.

"Whoever is that 31 that goes on the plane to Japan they have a responsibility to go out there and execute. There's a good buzz around the squad, we're confident because of the hard work we've put in and we're excited of the challenges to come".

Owens said the team have an opportunity to "do something special" in Japan but "we know how tough it's going to be".

"We've got four big games coming up and then the World Cup squad gets announced so hopefully the 31 that go out there will be in the best shape possible".