Benefit seasons are reserved for elite performers who have contributed greatly and represented their teams with distinction over an extended period, which is certainly the case with Gethin, one of the most outstanding players of his generation.
The Welsh Rugby Union and the Cardiff Blues are together supporting the Testimonial, in recognition of Gethin’s enormous contribution to Welsh Rugby. Gethin is one of the most distinguished and prolific Regional players of his generation and is Wales’ most capped player, as well as, the World’s most capped prop of all time. After making his international debut in 2002, Gethin was a leading figure in sides that has claimed four RBS 6 Nations titles, including three Grand Slams. He led his country for the first time back in 2007 and he has toured with the British & Irish Lions on three occasions.
On a domestic level he is now embarking on his 12th season over two spells with Cardiff Blues. During that time he has lifted both the Amlin Challenge Cup and EDF Energy Cup while he has tasted Heineken Cup success with Toulon in 2013.
The Testimonial will support two charities, the NSPCC and #StayStrongForOws.
The year will celebrate the player’s outstanding achievements on the field as both a player and leader of his Region and Country. Speaking of the honour bestowed on him
Gethin said:
“I feel privileged that both my Region and the WRU are together supporting me in a testimonial year. I’m sure this will mean the season ahead is going to be an extra special one for me both on and off the field. I’m very grateful to my testimonial committee who are already organising an exciting calendar of events in both Wales and London, which I look forward to enjoying with my charity partners, sponsors and colleagues from across the game. Hopefully, many others will also come along and enjoy what I hope will be a great year for everyone involved”.
Blues Chairman, Peter Thomas commented:
“Gethin has without doubt represented every team he has played for with an unbelievable level of competitiveness and professionalism. The fact that he still carries such obvious focus and hunger to achieve demonstrates his ambition to still succeed at the highest level across the game. He is a great figure that we should rightly be proud of and support in this important year”.
WRU Group CEO, Martyn Phillips added:
“Gethin is a world renowned figure who has driven himself to become one of the world’s leading players for over a decade which is a remarkable achievement that we are rightly proud to collectively help celebrate. The International successes over the past decade have been built on the achievements that so often start and finish in that rarefied atmosphere of the front row where Gethin has been exemplary in both effort and application”.
Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:
“We’re delighted that Gethin has chosen the NSPCC as one of the two charities to benefit from his much-deserved testimonial year. This support will make a huge difference to children in Wales and every penny raised will go towards our fight for every childhood. Services to benefit will include the invaluable advice we provide to schoolchildren – our Schools Service, which has already reached 80,000 4-11 year olds. We are committed to giving children the best start in life and greatly appreciate Gethin’s support.”
Huw Williams, Owen’s father, a spokesperson from #StayStrongForOws, stated:
“Not only were Gethin and Owen teammates but they remain good friends and it is brilliant to see such an iconic figure of Welsh rugby honoured with a testimonial season. We have all be overwhelmed by the support Owen has received from both the rugby family and the wider community, and Gethin’s decision to pick us as one of his chosen charities is massively appreciated. The funds we raise are essential in helping Owen’s continued adjustment to the life changing injuries he suffered representing Cardiff Blues.”
A calendar of events will be published shortly via the Gethin Jenkins Testimonial website:www.gethinjenkins.com. For all general enquiries and sponsorship please contactmorgan.towler@engagesport.com.
