Former Wales prop John Davies will spark fond memories when he comes out o retirement to feature in Paul James’ keenly awaited testimonial match at The Gnoll.
Davies will be joined by Jonathan Thomas, the former back-rower also donning his boots again to support his old Ospreys team-mate in the clash between a Select XV and a Classic Lions side on July 27.
A further cast of stellar names includes Nick Evans, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, James Hook, Ryan Jones, Rowland Phillips,Taufa’ao Filise and Andy Powell in the Select XV.
Allan Bateman, Dafydd James, Delon Armitage, Chris Wyatt, Ian Gough and Jason Forster are among those set to feature in the Lions side.
It represents quite some turn-out for James.
One third of the famous all-farming front row that Neath fielded in their 1980s and early 1990s pomp, Davies became a Welsh All Blacks legend before leaving for Richmond in 1997.
Now the 34-cap former tight-head will be returning to the scene of so many triumphs when he features for the Classic Lions at the age of 50.
His appearance is sure to be well received by the locals.
One of Wales’ most popular players in the modern era, Davies has many friends in the game, some of whom might even remember that he named his dog Tordo after the rival who bit him.
The then Neath player had dared to put his hand into a maul during a Test for Wales against France in Paris, only to end up being munched on the finger by home hooker Jean-Francois Tordo.
Just last year, Davies filled in off the bench for his local club Crymych, saying when asked if he might play again: “You never say never.
“If we have injuries or are short for whatever reason, I will happily step up.”
It shouldn’t be too much of an ordeal for the West Wales farmer to feature in a testimonial, then, even given the big-number birthday that he celebrated in February.
The 67-cap Thomas will also look to roll back the years.
Appointed Bristol defence coach after injury-enforced retirement as a player in 2015, the back rower featured in Wales Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 and was at the Ospreys when they won four league titles and lifted the EDF Energy Cup.
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