By Zippy
November 7 2004

Final instalment in a 3 part series looking at where and how the former Celtic Warriors are. Todays part takes a look at how the backs are doing.

THE BACKS

Sililo Martens

Where Did He Go? Sale Sharks

Hows He Doing?

Comment from Sale Fan “Sterops”

Lilo is currently getting the start in the nine shirt ahead of Brush, no mean feat in itself as I personally rate Redpath massively. Fair to say this reflects the style of play we’ve adopted this year.I can`t recall whether your previous "allegiance" was with Bridgend or Pont,but if you can recall our style from the Parker Pen contest versus Pont a few years ago, emphasis was on quick ball wide. We’re a very different animal under PSA, far more direct and forward orientated which suits Lilo since both his range and accuracy of pass don’t match that of Brush`s..a subjective /semi-objective observation rather than a damming criticism! Lilo`s best game to date by a mile was in our away win against Saints (16/10) where his close-in work alongside our backrow was magnificent. He constantly harried Sharky Robinson and brutalised their ball carriers in the tackle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Blowers hit backwards that hard and that far.

Kevin Morgan

Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons

Hows He Doing?

Had another injury dogged season with the Warriors, has bounced back to form with the Dragons and is close to getting a Welsh recall.

Was always a highly talented full back, if he remains injury free then its for the good of Wales.

Arwel Thomas

Where Did He Go? Llanelli Scarlets

Hows He Doing?

Not sure why I included him, he never played for the Warriors! Signed as a replacement for the retiring Neil Jenkins.

Getting his chance in a faltering Scarlets outfit, he appears to be coming back into some sort of form, whether he will ever reach the heights that he did earlier in his career is questionable.

Lee Thomas

Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues

Hows He Doing?

Had his best game for the Warriors when called up last minute for the game against Munster in Limerick, he performed with credit.

Went to the Blues and has had a few decent games, he is still too young for the rigours of week in week out rugby but in a few years he will be a fearsome 10/12 and he has a great boot.

Ceri Sweeney

Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons

Hows He Doing?

Had a shocker against the Blues when they found his weakness for having kicks charged down.

Has since recovered to become one of the leading lights in an impressive Dragons side.

Gareth Cooper

Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons

Hows He Doing?

Coops is a class act and will perform wherever he goes, had a bit of a tussle with the improving Gareth Baber for the 9 jersey but he has since established himself there.

His next challenge will be to depose the impressive Dwayne Peel from the Wales no9 shirt.

Jon Bryant

Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons

Hows He Doing?

“JB” was a cult figure with both Ponty and Warriors fans, someone you know will give 110%, runs stronger than any other 12 in Wales.

Has been dropped by the Dragons in favour of Sione Tuipoulotu, JB offers something in every game he plays so I expect to see him make an impact soon.

Gareth Wyatt

Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons

Hows He Doing?

The most overlooked player in Welsh rugby over the past decade, it beats me how he has not earned more Welsh caps.

Back to form with the Dragons doing what he does best, he deserves a chance with Wales and I’m sure I’m not the only player saying that.

Sonny Parker

Where Did He Go? Neath-Swansea Ospreys

Hows He Doing?

Sonny was one of the players who found it hard to accept the demise of the Warriors and was almost lost overseas.

Has played at inside centre for the Ospreys and shown some impressive form in the Celtic League, I expect he will make a impact in Europe and be a fixture in the Welsh team.

David Bishop

Where Did He Go? Neath-Swansea Ospreys

Hows He Doing?

Had an injury plagued season with the Warriors after looking class for Bridgend the season before.

Playing some great stuff for the Ospreys and must be one of the quickest centres in world rugby, destined for bigger things.

Aisea Havili

Where Did He Go? Llanelli Scarlets

Hows He Doing?

“Idris” has a disappointing season for the Warriors, a cult hero with Bridgend fans and is a complete lunatic.

Not playing well for Llanelli but the side are not playing well either, seen he was lining up for Camarthen recently and that I find bizarre for such a talented player.

Dafydd James

Where Did He Go? Harlequins

Hows He Doing?

Daf has had his fair share of injuries and showed signs of recapturing form with the Warriors last year.

Part of a Harlequins midfield with England great Will Greenwood, Quins are showing signs of life and if they can give Daf enough ball then they will cause problems.

Shaun James

Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues

Hows He Doing?

Young Shaun had some good exposure with the Warriors last year and looks one for the future.

Playing for the Cardiff “Rags” may get some 1^st team rugby during the 6nations.

Mathew Nuthall

Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues

Hows He Doing?

Didn’t play too much for the Warriors and was seen at his best for Wales U21s in the World Cup in Scotland where he played impressively.

 

Also at the Cardiff “Rags” and playing well, may get a call up but is definitely one to watch in the future.

 

Richard Mustoe

Where Did He Go? Bridgend Ravens RFC

Hows He Doing?

Richard came to form with the Warriors and was impressive last season, punches above his weight.

Sadly he was not offered a regional contract and was left semi-pro at Bridgend and was even doing some work at a funeral directors.

Recently he was called up to the Ospreys and played exceptionally and held up Stefan Terblanche’s return to the 1^st team.

He has obviously been in the gym a lot and lots fitter and faster than ever.

Paul John

Where Did He Go? Pontypridd RFC

Hows He Doing?

A great servant to the Welsh game and now helping out the youngsters at Pontypridd.

A player who always gave his best, the best comparison would be he and Jinks were like Redgrave and Pinsent, he was Pinsent always happy for Jinks to receive the plaudits whilst he went unnoticed a lot of the time.

Gareth Thomas

Where Did He Go? Toulouse

Hows He Doing?

“Alfie” is playing for the French giants, they operate a squad rotation system such is the strength in depth at the club.

I’ve watched him score a great try for Toulouse and he will become a fans favourite there.

Has been named as the new captain of Wales and led Wales close to beating South Africa.