Wales v Fiji 2007 - where are they now?

Friday 30 September 2011 19:01 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Four years on since Wales last played Fiji in the World Cup, we take a look at where the Welsh players that started that day at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes are now.

Gareth Thomas – His last appearance for Wales. Record 100 caps stood until this week when Stephen Jones faced Namibia. Switched codes to rugby league in 2010.

Mark Jones – Part of Grand Slam the following year but forced to retire in 2010, three appearances short of 50 caps. Now Scarlets attack coach.

Tom Shanklin – On-going knee problems ended his career after released by Cardiff Blues last season. Now rugby pundit for BBC Wales.

James Hook – Key member of 2008 Grand Slam but has failed to command a regular position despite abundance of talent. Joins Perpignan after World Cup.

Shane Williams –World Player of the Year in 2008 and has gone to become Wales’ all-time record try-scorer with 55th against Samoa last week.

Stephen Jones – Now Wales’ most-capped player was first choice for Lions and approaching 1,000 Test points but usurped in pecking order.

Dwayne Peel – Failed to make an impression with Gatland after move to Sale Sharks and has made just five starts for Wales this defeat.

Gethin Jenkins – The solitary survivor from starting team to face Fiji in Hamilton this weekend. Returned from nine-month injury with stunning try against Namibia.

Matthew Rees – Another to be part of British Lion Test team in 2009. Appointed Wales captain last year but ruled out of the World Cup with neck injury.

Chris Horsman - His last game for Wales and retired from the game in 2009. Now works with adolescent children in Wiltshire.

Alun Wyn Jones – No Six Nations player has made more Test appearances, 48, since than the Ospreys lock.

Ian Evans - Cursed by a succession of injuries ever since. Now back to full fitness but never showed the same edge.

Colin Charvis – Retired in 2007 with the most Test tries by a forward in world rugby. Brief spell as defence coach before taking roll with BBC.

Martyn Williams - Still going strong at 36 though was shock omission from this year’s World Cup. Fractured arm may rule out 100th cap.

Alix Popham – Spent three years in France with Brive but now stepping into coaching at part-timers Newbridge after shoulder injury ended career in summer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in