The Hardest Test Read Free Page A

as we Welsh!
    The fact that I went on to miss my final maths exam, because I was conducting a different kind of maths involving my father’s company and a business deal in Swansea, shows where my priorities now lay. I was chasing a different dream entirely! I didn’t have time to feel that bad.
    Not that my father had gained a top class employee. Working for him showed how my learning difficulties affected my life in the real world, as it had done at school. All employees were required to fill out call sheets and time sheets. When it was time for mine to be given in, I usually made some excuse, like I’d left them in the back of the car. My father’s secretary Sue was probably the only reason I managed to keep on top of things. She would help me fill out the order forms at the end of each day and make sure everything was in order.
    The highlight of my time with the Welsh Youth came in a match against England in Blackpool, where I somehow managed to score four tries in a big win. On the opposite side that day was one Lawrence Dallaglio. Thinking back, I wish I’d made a bit more of that victory. Managing to get one over on ‘Lol’ in a Welsh jersey only happened on one other occasion, on a famous sunny day in 1999 – but more of that later. I guess I peaked too early!
    1990 was a very busy year for me. I represented Wales in Canada at Under 19 level and played for Wales at Youth level.
    Then came my big chance. Llanelli were looking for youth players to join members of the first and second teams to play away at Penygroes in their centenary match.
    I was given the nod. I cannot describe how great it felt to pull on the jersey for Llanelli for the first time. Remember, I had turned down an invitation to play league at St Helens just for this moment. I was following in my father’s footsteps and representing the place that I loved. I really don’t remember who won that day, but it didn’t matter. I had worn that famous scarlet jersey. I prayed that this was to be the first of many occasions that I’d have that honour.

Chapter Five
    The following season, 1991/92, brought with it another big opportunity. Llanelli’s success domestically meant a number of our big name players, such as Lawrence Delaney, Phil May, Phil Davies, Emyr Lewis, Rupert Moon and Tony Copsey, would be away serving Wales in the World Cup. I was invited up to the first team. This was it. It was the massive opportunity that I’d been waiting for.
    As well as myself, players such as Paul Jones, Huw Harries and Matthew Wintle, who had toured Canada with me at Wales Youth level, were also called up. On top of that, Allan Lewis, who was now coaching at Llanelli as Gareth Jenkins’s no. 2, had been our coach at Wales Under 19s level. This all meant that even though I was moving on to a new, massive challenge, I had people around me I was familiar with. This helped a lot.
    In the October of 1991 I met my future wife Nicola in a Llanelli pub one evening. I knew instantly she was the one. I recall very early in the relationship being on Llanelli beach together when Nicola began showing me over and over the correct way to pass a rugby ball (her dad Bryn coached Bynea Rugby at the time). I was bemused but said nothing.
    A few days later she rang me after seeing my picture in the local paper. In one of the most surreal conversations I’ve ever had, she told me, “You play rugby for Llanelli!” To which I replied, “I know. Where do you think I go every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday?” She said, “Oh well, I thought you just worked out in the gym like my brothers!” That’s what I love about Nicola – she’s never really been a rugby fan. She used to watch me play firstly for the social life and secondly to see that I didn’t get hurt. It was a good thing I always drove home!
    We soon moved in together and it was not long before we had our first child, Samantha.