9″ Scott Gibbs Wembley ’99 *1 week delay*

The Scott Gibbs Career Collection 

Scott Gibbs was born in 1971… a Grand Slam year for his country and a portent of rugby success for this incredible individual. Scott began his senior career in 1991 with his hometown Bridgend before moving to Neath and finally settling in Swansea in 1992. It was fitting that Scott finished his rugby union career with the newly formed Neath/ Swansea region The Ospreys in the season 2003/ 2004.

On January the 19th 1991 Scott won his first cap for Wales against England at the national stadium. He went on to represent his country 53 times scoring 10 tries and also represented the British and Irish Lions on three tours winning 5 test caps.

An incredible competitor, ferocious tackler and devastating runner with the ball in hand, Scott inspired both fear and respect in his opponents around the rugby globe.

In a poll at the World of Groggs to establish the greatest ever Wales rugby team Scott was partnered alongside the legendary Bleddyn Williams in a centre partnership few could argue with.

WEMBLEY

Wales, Wembley ‘99…. “I Feel Good Tonight!”

In all of Scott’s remarkable time playing rugby, among the many highlights, one instance of pure genius stands out as the crowning moment of his rugby career. Anyone who was at Wembley on 11th of April 1999 will recall the try which shook the rugby world and continues to be remembered as the greatest try ever scored by a Welsh rugby player. I know…. there are many contenders for that title, but who can deny the drama of the situation and the devastating way the “coup de grace” was delivered.

England came to Wembley with the last Grand slam of the old Five Nations in their sights. Wales were under reconstruction under Graham Henry, as was the national stadium, hence the Wembley fixture.

In the first half England played with elan scoring three tries with only Neil Jenkins’ boot keeping Wales in touch. As the second half progressed Wales kept in the game with a fine try from Shane Howarth but as timed passed England’s six-point advantage seemed out of reach.

I can remember sitting in the old Wembley with my father, nervously looking on thinking the game was gone, when the gentleman next to me said….  “It’s only a converted try you know”.

I didn’t pay it much heed, but when a penalty was awarded to Wales for a clumsy challenge on Colin Charvis the opportunity presented itself. One more chance. Neil Jenkins put the ball 50 yards into touch and from the England 22 Wales launched a move which they had tried earlier in the game but this time it worked…… wonderfully.

Scott has put it on record that as he passed England’s captain to line up for the move, he said to Lawrence Bruno Nero Dallaglio….. “I Feel Good Tonight!”. Dallaglio probably wondered what his Lions teammate meant but no one could have imagined was coming next….. least of all the England captain.

From the majestic lineout take and Scott Quinnell’s “assist” Scott Gibbs burst onto the ball, thundered through two tackles and danced his way past two more to score the most amazing try. Neil Jenkins converted and the rest, as they say, is history. I hugged my father so hard I broke his Nokia mobile phone which is still on display in our museum to this day.

What a perfect day, what an extraordinary try and what an incredible player.

Scott Gibbs take a bow.

• Limited Edition to 99 pieces
• Priced at £150 plus £6.00 P+P UK Next Day Delivery (If in stock & ordered before 2pm) / Worldwide Postage £60.
• Also available in Wales, Swansea, Neath, Lions, Barbarians & Ospreys.