Nigel Owens has joined the cast of stellar names for Paul James’ testimonial match in Neath on Saturday week.
The number one referee in world rugby has agreed to take charge of the game between a Select XV and a Classic Lions side at The Gnoll.
Owens should prove a notable addition to proceedings, with the Pontyberem official having enough of a light touch to ensure the action flows while staying within a recognisably competitive framework.
He will oversee a game that features 28 internationals, including five Test Lions and an All Black.
Heineken UK have been confirmed as main sponsors via their Birra Moretti and Fosters brands.
The kits the players will wear have also been revealed, with James’ team playing in a predominantly white jersey and the Classic Lions donning pink with Owens in blue.
They have been developed by Luke Griffiths, a member of Neath's squad for the coming season. James wanted to support him as he’s developing a local brand and attempting to make a mark in a competitive market.
Former Wales back rower Dafydd Jones recently added his name to the playing roster for the day, lining up for the Select XV alongside Test Lions Lee Byrne, Shane Williams and Lee Mears, with New Zealand’s Nick Evans orchestrating matters from fly-half.
Leigh Davies, James Hook, Andy Powell, Fa’ao Filise, Paul Griffen and Jonathan Thomas are also named in the 31-strong panel.
Two more Test Lions, Allan Bateman and Dafydd James, feature in the Classic Lions squad.
It should be a memorable occasion for James, an Ospreys legend and one of the most liked and respected Welsh players of the past 20 years. He won 66 caps for Wales and played 232 times for his home region before injury cut short his playing career.
Being able to count on the support on so many big names underlines how popular the former loose-head is in the game.
England international Delon Armitage will join Bateman and James in the Classic Lions squad, along with Ian Gough, Chris Wyatt, Julian Salvi, John Davies, Jason Forster and Alfie To’oala. For the avoidance of doubt, some of that lot could play a bit in their prime.
Organisers have been delighted at the response to the game, with tickets selling well. They can be purchased here .
SELECT XV SQUAD
Backs: Lee Byrne, Barry Davies, Shane Williams, Alex Lawson, Leigh Davies, David Bishop, Kevin James, Dylan Pugh, Richard Fussell, Anthony Carter, James Hook, Nick Evans, Paul Griffen, Andy Williams.
Forwards: Neil White, Paul Jones, Andrew Howell, Fa’ao Filise, Lloyd Isaac, Mark Breeze, Lee Mears, Jonathan Thomas, Lyndon Bateman, Hywel Jenkins, Jonathan Mills, Dafydd Jones, Rowland Phillips, Richie Pugh, Rob McCusker, Guy Mercer, Andy Powell.
CLASSIC LIONS
Backs: Delon Armitage, Richard Carter, Matt Jess, Dave Tiueti, Allan Bateman, Dafydd James, Jonathan Spratt, Chris Mayor, Aaron Bramwell, Gareth King, Gareth James, Gareth Bowen, Martin Roberts, Liam Davies.
Forwards: Adam Black, John Davies, Cai Griffiths, Chris Fortey, Matthew Dwyer, Neil Briggs, Ian Gough, Chris Wyatt, Ian Nimmo, Damien Hudd, Adam Jones, Chris Davies, Mike Denbee, Julian Salvi, Jason Forster, Nathan Strong, Alfie To’oala.
