The tradition of the coach or a note-able guest handing out playing jerseys is a strong one in Welsh rugby history, with the likes of Gareth Edwards, Simon Weston, Rhodri Morgan and the late, great, Ray Gravell having all been called on to fulfil the task in recent times.
It is something that is still part of the ceremony of Barbarians rugby and the Wales coaching team thought it only fitting that they highlight a landmark moment for such an integral member of their squad in this way.
“We took a brief moment out from preparations before our captain’s run at the Millennium Stadium just to mark the occasion of the 100th cap of a player who has been a magnificent servant to the Welsh game, not just for this coaching team but for entirety of his career to date,” said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
“We took the decision as a management team that we couldn’t let the moment go by without comment, so Warren stepped forward to personally present Stephen’s match shirt in front of the squad and say a few words.
“Stephen responded with a few emotionally charged comments of his own and was applauded, it was all very understated but everyone in the room could feel the significance of the moment.
“Stephen deserves all the plaudits he will get and more, he is the model player, a gentleman off the pitch and selfless on it, the whole squad is extremely proud of him and what he has achieved and we also know he has so much more to give yet.”
Normal protocol would dictate that the Wales squad players have to wait until they arrive at the ground on match-day before they catch first sight of their playing jerseys, which are ceremonially laid out within their own personal alcove’s in the Millennium Stadium home dressing room along with the rest of their playing kit.
