I make no excuses for telling Rugby fans and Grogg Collectors from around the world that Ryan Jones is one of the nicest people I have ever met…rugby prowess apart. It’s a question I get asked frequently..”Who’s your favourite player?” but it’s one I ‘m always reluctant to answer for obvious reasons…It’s like admitting you have a favourite child.. but with Ryan I’m happy to make the exception. Indeed it was proof of his unselfish nature that he chose to come to our 50th Anniversary Charity function on the day he was forced to announce his early retirement from the game due to injury. Most player’s heads would be so far in the shed after receiving news like that they would be buried in potting compost but Ryan bit the bullet and made an appearance. Needless to say his interview with Phil Steele was received with rapturous applause. I hope it helped to remind Ryan of the affection he is held in not only with rugby supporters but also his peers in the sport.
On the rugby front I can remember Ryan bursting onto the scene as part of the much missed but ill fated 5th region the Celtic Warriors. Ryan’s distinctive look and barnstorming runs made an immediate impact on Ponty and Bridgend fans alike and he soon became a permanent fixture in a very talented team. His appearance as a late substitute on the Lions tour of New Zealand, following Wales’s dramatic grand slam of 2005, was one of the few highlights of that tough test series. From there Ryan went on to become one of only three players of his generation to win three Grand Slams a feat also matched by JPR Williams, Gerald Davies and Gareth Edwards. Ryan deserves his place in this rarified company.
My own favourite memory of Ryan is the way he steered the relatively young team of 2013 from a difficult opening defeat to Ireland to three away wins and finally THAT Championship win in Cardiff against the old enemy. Ryan was injured for that final game but to me it was his elder statesman qualities that brought out the best of Wales in those three tricky away matches setting up the Grand Finale.
Whatever Ryan chooses to do from here I’m sure he’ll be successful…his charm and personality will see to that, but he will never be forgotten by a grateful Welsh public as one of the greats of the modern game. And don’t forget Ryan if you ever find you do have a little time on your hands you will always be welcome at the Groggshop to talk over those Glory Days and visit your many Groggs, shirts and that first Grand Slam winning scrum cap!
