The inaugural “Tribute to Rugby’s Legends” match on Sunday, June 6, pits Wales legend and world points record-holder Neil Jenkins against the man who has played more Tests than any other – England’s Jason Leonard.
Jenkins, who scored 1,049 points for Wales and another 41 for the British and Irish Lions, faces a player who has made 114 appearances for England, and another four for the Lions. Both men are hanging up their boots at the end of this season.
“It will be an emotional ending to my career,” said Jenkins, who last appeared at the Millennium Stadium when he made his 100th appearance in a Welsh jersey against the Barbarians last season.
“It is a great honour to be given the chance to play a Testimonial match at the Millennium Stadium and I can think of no better opponent than Jason Leonard.
“I’ve already dished out a few beatings to Jason down the years – well, just the two in 1993 and 1999 – and I’ll be looking for the hat-trick.
“It is not going to be a runaround for the old boys – it is going to be a serious match. How could you ask Scott Gibbs and Scott Quinnell to play against Jason Leonard and a team wearing white shirts not to take it seriously?”
Jenkins’ side will wear red shirts and Leonard’s team will wear white. There will be cameo appearances from several of Jenkins’ teammates from the 1994
Five Nations Championship-winning side and the 1999 Wales team who won 10 games in a row.
Gibbs is set to come out of retirement to join forces with the player with whom he came through the ranks of Welsh rugby. Having played together for
Wales Youth in 1990, the two teenagers made their senior Welsh debuts against England at Cardiff Arms Park on January 19, 1991.
Leonard was in the front row for England that day as they ended a 28-year wait for a victory in Cardiff. That was Leonard’s fourth cap, but his debut in the Five Nations championship.
“I can remember that game in Cardiff very well. It was a special day for me, too, because it was my first game for England in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Leonard.
“Although we’ve been big rivals down the years, I’ve gotten to know Neil very well on two Lions tours and we are also good friends. He’s a legend in Wales, but also way beyond that.
“If you wanted someone in your side to kick the winning goal then you would look no further than the Ginger Monster. The only problem for me on June 6 is that he is going to be on the wrong side!”
The game will be played on the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and as a mark of respect there will be a special dedication before the game to the 13 Welsh rugby internationals who were killed during the two World Wars.
A Welsh slate plaque commemorating the fallen soldiers will be installed at the Millennium Stadium and a collection on the day will be made for the Royal Regiment of Wales.
Players who have agreed to take part include: Jenkins’ team: Rob Howley, Scott Gibbs, Scott Quinnell, John Davies, Garin Jenkins, Chris Wyatt, Emyr Lewis, Allan Bateman, Dai Young and Darren Morris.
Leonard’s team: Dorian West, Darren Garforth, Neil Back, Pat Sanderson, Nick Beal, Jon Sleightholme and Paul Sampson.
International stars Andre Vos, John Leslie, Thomas Castaignede, Kenny Logan, Craig Dowd and Paul Burke are also in line to make guest appearances.
