After making his 100th and final appearance for Wales in the 35-48 defeat to the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium, the benefits of international retirement were immediately obvious to Neil Jenkins. As the rest of Steve Hansen's squad prepare for a gruelling tour to Australia and New Zealand, Jenkins was planning a well-earned night on the town.
"Chiefie (Dale McIntosh) and my father were in the crowd and they've already had a few drinks - and I'm sure there'll be a few more tonight," Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport.
The ginger legend from Church Village, Pontypridd, who will continue playing for the RCT Ravens regional side next season, did spare a thought for his Wales colleagues.
 I was wrecked at the end of that! |
"I wish them all the best - they know it's going to be a tough tour, but what an experience. "It was great just to get on with the guys today. I want to thank Nugget (captain Martyn Williams) and all the team for letting me be involved."
There were harsh words for one team-mate, though. Stephen Jones slotted an easy conversion from in front of the posts five minutes from the end, but left a testing touch-line effort to Jenkins in the closing moments.
 Jenkins fires over his final kick for Wales |
"I'm going to see Stephen now and have a word with him, treating an old man like me in that way," laughed Jenkins, "Luckily enough the kick sneaked over." Jenkins, who played a full 80 minutes for Pontypridd against Cardiff on Friday night, had 15 minutes at the end of the Barbarians game, a longer spell than he had anticipated.
"I only expected five minutes at the end, but Iestyn Harris took a knock," said Jenkins, "I was wrecked at the end of that!"
The fly-half legend could also expect a hard night in Cardiff if he sees any of his Baa-Baa opponents out on the town.
Every South African will be glad to see the back of him - he nailed us a few times |
Springbok prop Ollie le Roux has not forgotten Jenkins' series-winning performances against South Africa on the 1997 Lions tour. "Every South African will be glad to see the back of him - he nailed us a few times," said le Roux.
If his opponents are not in a charitable mood, the 'Ginger Monster' can be sure that there will never be a shortage of Welsh fans ready to buy him a drink as he enjoys his retirement.
MMIX
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