When Wales played England at under-18 level in Pontypridd recently, their tight head prop was Simon Gardiner, who is only 17 and playing a year above his age group in one of the most technically difficult positions.

Simon is thrilled to be included and when he runs out in his Welsh shirt there will be a good contingent from Haverfordwest to support this young rugby prospect.

Simon is the only Pembrokeshire player in the squad and also plays regularly for the Blues' first XV.

It was a big thrill when Simon grabbed his first try at home to Pembroke Dock Quins. Skipper Matthew Lewis popped up the pass and Simon thundered over from 20 metres.

Academy member He is a member of the Llanelli Scarlets Academy, travelling to Llanelli each day to train with other aspiring professional players in a bid to make their name in the oval ball game.

To gain selection for Wales Under-18s, Simon had to attend three weeks of training at the WRU Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan and another at Pencoed School under the watchful eye of coaches Simon King, Nicky Lloyd and Terry Cobner.

There was also a trial match where he knew he had to catch the eye of the selectors.

This is something he clearly did, because he was thrilled to receive the letter confirming his selection, as were mum Sian, who even washes all his kit, and brothers Matthew and Nathan, who all give him total encouragement.

Six nations target Later on in the year, there is hopefully another rugby date to look forward to as Wales take part in the six nations championship, a festival of rugby played this time in Ireland, and Simon certainly hopes to be part of that squad.

Then he will hope to follow in the footsteps of one of his heroes, John Davies, in playing for Llanelli Scarlets and then Wales.

His other Welsh rugby star is Scott Quinnell, not only for his rugby prowess but because, like Simon, he is dyslexic and actually spoke to him about it at a meeting in Narberth RFC.

Blues through and through Simon started out his rugby career with Haverfordwest under-12s with Craig Jones, beginning as a second row before converting to number eight.

He also played under Paul Walsh for the county and when they were short of a prop for one match Simon stepped in, loved it, and has been at tight-head ever since.

Simon has played for Pembrokeshire at every level, with two seasons with the under-18s, from where he was invited to join the Llanelli Scarlets Academy run by Kevin George, Rob Appleyard and Aled Walters.

He said this was an offer he snapped up with glee because it meant everything to him.

Grateful thanks He doesn't mind the travel because he now drives himself to Llanelli and as well as his coaches there, he has been helped by one of the older players in the academy, Craig Cross, with his scrimmaging technique.

He would also say that Kenny Davies has been brilliant to him at Merlins Bridge, as have senior players like Andrew Thicker and Richard Brazell.

Simon knows that he still has a long way to go but has taken his first steps along the road to a career in rugby.

Every follower of the game in the county will wish this modest youngster every success in his rugby quest.

9:57am Tuesday 18th March 2008

Print

Email this