Gone, but not forgotten

Many talented rugby union players past and present have escaped our historic coastal region, none as recognisable as the current Welsh captain, Ryan Jones. How have we managed to squander such illustrious performers from a club lacking in funds, surely uncovered potential should be nursed within a water-tight structure.

The current crop of players under the watchful eye of coach, Paul Turner seem to be bonding as a unit and appear to be a well drilled team. But should we need to bolster the team with three New Zealanders when there were great players’ on our doorstep. Don’t get me wrong, I think Turner spent wisely and each of our foreign imports has impressed with their never say die attitude and increased fitness levels. However, players by the name of Ryan Jones, Alix Popham and Andy Powell have walked away from Rodney Parade. And although I hate to say it, they made the right decision – look at them now, all three are Welsh internationals and worst of all they represent the other three regions.

Powell, born in Brecon has immense capability as a ball carrying back row specialist, but during the step to regional rugby he was surprisingly left stranded with an excuse of a contract, therefore for he moved on. Last Saturday he made an impressive debut for the national side, bringing the total of caps shared between the three, to fifty-five.

Don’t think the list stops there. Two prop forwards, Iestyn Thomas and Ceri Jones managed to be pushed aside forcing them to find new clubs. Iestyn Thomas, born in Pontypool, started his career at his hometown before moving to Eugene Park under Mike Ruddock. After captaining Ebbw Vale he switched to west Wales to represent Llanelli.

Ceri Jones was once the cornerstone, alongside Rod Snow, of a dependable and bulky Newport pack. The 31-year-old from Usk has gone on to pastures new with Harlequins, after cementing his place he became a fan favourite playing alongside Jason Leonard for a short spell.

Another useful player we managed to let go off is Jason Strange. Hailing from Tredegar, Strange came to prominence at Ebbw Vale before moving to Newport. He failed to make a real mark at Rodney Parade, but was this down to ability, opportunity or training? I would have to say one of the latter two, as after leaving for a one-year spell with Rotherham, he transferred to Bristol Rugby Club and in the 2005/06 season he finished as top points scorer in the Guinness Premiership with 244.

Those are just six of a longer list of rugby talent hailing from our doorstep to have moved away from Gwent and progressed to higher levels. There is a definite need for a firm structure and improvement in facilities to keep quality within the region, but below the gloom I believe is a new horizon. The next generation is coming into full bloom under the careful eye of coach, Paul Turner. The Black and Ambers may seem to be in full rotation mode this season with a policy more likened to Rafa Benitez, than the midas touch of Turner. There is an encouraging amount of young talent in the region providing the Newbridge man with a new breed of exciting rugby to nurture.
Onwards and Upwards!