That’s where Leigh’s love of rugby was first developed and he rose through the ranks with a certain Dan Biggar. Just behind them in the age groups was Ross Moriarty.
Leigh and Dan played together for Wales at U16, U18, U19, U20 and senior level, as well as touring together with the British & Irish Lions. Between them, they amassed 1,463 points for Wales and 72 more for the Lions.
They won 213 caps between them for Wales and seven more for the Lions. Take a bow, Gorseinon and one of their junior coaches Rob Steele, who steered them both through their junior ranks. Who says the club system in Wales is broken? If ever a village helped to raise two great players, then Gorseinon is that place.
They have been among the pin-up boys of Welsh rugby for almost 15 years and were part of an amazing crop of talent that came through together – Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies, Rhys Webb and Justin Tipuric. Many others who played in the IRB Junior World Championships at U19 level in Belfast in 2007 and in the inaugural U20 tournament in Wales a year later also went on to play for Wales and become high-level professional players.
What we need now is for more clubs like Gorseinon who can mine the rich seam of talent that undoubtedly still exists in Wales. After all, Cwmtwrch nurtured Jac Morgan, Bridgend Sports set Dewi Lake on his way to senior honours and Pencoed recently added Sam Costelow and Tommy Reffell to a list of international players who started in their junior section – Gareth Thomas, Scott Gibbs, Gareth Cooper and Gavin Henson.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
