In 2011, the Wizards reached their first WRU Challenge Cup final in 36 years. When Jenkins missed out on the game, he didn’t know it would be another dozen years before he would get the chance again to play in another final at the home of Welsh rugby.
The 30-year-old loose head prop has become a cult hero for the Wizards, but his long wait for a shot at silverware has made him even hungrier for success when they face Newport in the last of three games on Day 2 of 8 in the ‘Road to Principality 2022’ adventure.
All three games are live on S4C
Coverage starts at 12.45pm
English commentary available
WRU Championship Plate Final – Trebanos v Bedwas – 1.00pm k/o
WRU Championship Cup Final – Bargoed v Neath – 3.15pm k/o
Indigo Group Premiership Cup Final – Aberavon v Newport – 5.35pm k/o
“In my first season with Aberavon, we got to the Cup final at the then Millennium Stadium,” says Jenkins, whose club lost that day 35-24 to Pontypridd. “I was a newcomer to the squad, so I was left out for the older players who may not have the opportunity again.
“But if you had told me I’d have to wait another 12 years . . . There is definitely a different squad mentality this time around – we are going there to win, not just to enjoy the occasion.”
Aberavon have come a long way in a short period of time. In 2014, the club only narrowly stayed in the Premiership by one point after gaining a try bonus point against Carmarthen Quins on the final day of the season.
“I was just emerging around that time. I always felt pressure putting on the jersey, thinking about who had worn it before and wondering if I was going to do it justice. It’s a club that will give you everything, on and off the field. It has a family feeling to it,” said Jenkins.
“Once we came out of that trial by fire in 2014, we knew we didn’t want to be in that position again. It really drove us on. A lot of boys want to succeed at club rugby, not just want to pass through.”
Seven years on, Jenkins got his first taste of European rugby earlier this season when he was called up for Cardiff to play against Toulouse and Harlequins in the Heineken Champions Cup.
While Newport have not quite seen the lows that the Aberavon side have, they, too, have been growing in strength in recent years under the leadership of coaches Craig Warlow and now Ty Morris.
“Every time we play Newport, it is always a battle. It would be wrong to say they have come from nowhere this year, but massive credit must be given to them to have put themselves in contention for a league and cup double,” added Jenkins.
“They play pretty simple rugby – it’s direct, which allows their backs to be expansive. They do the basics well.”
It was Newport who got the upper hand the last time the two sides met with a 30-25 win at the Talbot Athletic Ground in December. But going into the final, Jenkins has no worries about past meetings and insists it’s anyone’s game to win on Sunday.
“We have to have belief. I wasn’t involved in the last game, I was away for the European game with Cardiff against Harlequins,” he said.
“But there’s no fear factor from the players. It wasn’t our best day in the league meeting, we threw two interceptions, but even at the end after the final scrum there was clear relief from them that they hadn’t lost.”
Trebanos and Bedwas will get the finals day off to a fiery start in the WRU Championship Plate Final. Bargoed and Neath will then turn-up the heat in the WRU Championship Cup Final, before Aberavon and Newport complete the line-up in the showpiece event.
Playing at Principality Stadium is the pinnacle for most players in Wales and for many it only ever remains a dream. That’s why Jenkins intends to make the most of what could be his one and only shot.
“You hear about some of the difficulties clubs face, like financially and keeping hold of players within the season. A lot of players lose touch with their clubs due to jobs and things, for financial security and their families,” he said.
“That makes moments like this even more special. The opportunity to represent themselves on a big stage, have their families there, I’m sure there is so much pride for all the players.
“These boys will look back at these games for the rest of their lives. To be able to represent the club they love, the village and their families, it’s a really big deal for them.”
