Shane with his rugby career in Groggs
Well Shane – this is it and what are we going to do without you! For so many years now Shane has been Wales’ inspiration- when the chips were down it was Shane who had something amazing up his sleeve to save us and when times were hard he was our ‘Diamond in the mine’! Both Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 would have been impossible without his unique contribution and I think it’s that word ‘UNIQUE’ that sums him up. Shane’s style always reminded me of the great quote about that other mercurial genius, Gareth Edwards -” He knew he was going to do it – the crowd knew he was going to do it – the opposition knew he was going to do it – so he did!” The only slight difference was I’m not always so sure Shane actually knew himself what was coming next, such was his instinctual way of playing and after all – how can you defend against that. It certainly made for heartstopping watching!
I can remember when I first made Shane I was concerned his looks were a little too refined to make a ‘classic’ Grogg but over the years he has helped me out with his many hair styles- his mullets, mini mohawk, shaved head and now full on Grav have kept me on my toes, not to mention trying to keep up with his record breaking tries and appearances. My personal favourite was the bust we made to comemmorate his amazing try against Scotland in 2006 which left him with a ‘braveheart’ whitewashed face. It was auctioned for charity but I wish we had kept it for our museum. Not to worry I’m sure there’s one more very special figure of Shane left up my sleeve – I can already see it in my minds eye – I just have to make it now!
Thanks again Shane for everything – all the joy, the brilliance, the hard work and determination- we’ve all loved every minute of it and who knows if times get hard again we can always shout down the mine for our Diamond!
