Robert Howley
Born in Bridgend, and attended the excellent rugby academy of Brynteg Comprehensive School. He quickly established himself as an International player, by being capped at Schoolboy, U20, U21, Wales Students, Wales A and then the Welsh Senior team. His first International was against England in 1996 where he scored his first try for Wales. He then developed into one of Wales greatest scrum halves, winning 59 caps, 22 as Captain and scoring 10 tries. During his term of captaincy, Wales won 20 games and he skippered the side to a record winning streak of 10 games in 1999. He was Welsh Player of the year in 1996 and 1997.In 1997, it was a day when the whole of Wales said goodbye to the old National Stadium, and thanks to Rob Howley, they had a fitting try to remember it by. He brought the house down with a tremendous solo try in the dying moments of the last game played there. In 1999, he led Graham Henry’s side to a string of famous victories. It started with an historic first win at Stade de France, and then an equally famous win at Wembley, followed by the victory over South Africa at the opening of the Millennium Stadium.
(Image Copyright Robert Davies)
Injury disrupted his two Lions tours, but in Australia in 2001, he came out on top in his personal battle with George Gregan, for the title of ‘Worlds Best Scrum Half’.
His move from Cardiff Blues to London Wasps was justified, when he helped his new club, to the European Heineken Cup. To add a perfect end to his career, he scored the winning try, with seconds remaining, in this epic cup win.
He has now return to the Cardiff Blues as part of the coaching set up, and undoubtedly, his dedication and professionalism, will see him rise to the top in his new capacity.
