By Zippy November 7 2004
Where Are The Warriors was a 3 part series looking at where and how the former Celtic Warriors are. This is a collection of the 3 stories and will be saved in the archive.
The Coaches and Backroom Staff (Updated 21/10/04)
Lynn Howells
Where Did He Go? Italian Side LEONESSA
Hows He Doing?
Currently done an interview for the Welsh press, as amazing loss to Welsh rugby respected everywhere and most Cardiff fans must rue the day the board let him go.
His side will face Stephen Jones Clermont in the European Challenge Cup this weekend.
In the Italian Super 10 his side are joint bottom but I’m sure Lynn will turn it around, perhaps he’s been enjoying to much Claret and Pizza!!!
Italian Super 10 Standings (17th Oct)
Benetton Treviso 38; Arix Viadana 29; Ghial Calvisano 25; Amatori Catania 23; SKG Great Parma 16; Conad Aquila 15; Carrera Petrarch and Overmach R. Parma 13; ADMO Leonessa and Rovigo 11.
Allan Lewis
Where Did He Go? Blues Regional Rugby Director
Hows He Doing?
Hasn’t appeared in the press since the Warriors demise, he is an extremely talented coach and will be shaping the internationals of tomorrow.
Amazing in the crisis that Cardiff are in that he has not been asked for his help, he has achieved success everywhere he has been.
I’m sure he will get another appointment soon, if its overseas then he will be a loss to Welsh rugby.
Richard Webster
Where Did He Go? Bridgend Coaching Advisor and Head of Supporters Club
Hows He Doing?
Got promotion from Bridgend to be Warriors forwards coach, then the Warriors were cruelly culled and his position at Bridgend had been filled.
Went back to Bridgend as a coaching advisor and also heads up the supporters club, Webby is a popular man in Bridgend and is a first class forwards coach.
It won’t be long till he gets an opportunity, it shouldn’t have been this long.
Leighton Samuels
Where Did He Go? Back to Bridgend Benefactor
Hows He Doing?
After selling the Warriors to the WRU Leighton has kept a relatively low profile for himself, the Western Mail must be gutted as he filled the pages nearly every day with a rant about something or other.
He is taking the WRU to court over the Warriors sale and it is hoped by Warriors fans that David Moffett and co are forced to resign and someone with a rugby brain can take over the running of our beloved game.
Believed to be his last season backing Bridgend, will it be the last we see of Leighton? I suspect not.
The Forwards (Updated 29/10/04)
Mefin Davies
Where Did He Go? Neath RFC
Hows He Doing?
Mef’s plight was highly publicised in the summer as he could not find a club, he then reached legendary status when he turned down a lucrative contract with Stade Francais as it would have meant the end of his international status.
Was going to sign for Ponty but they could not afford his wages, Neath could and with Leighton Samuels as a mystery sponsor he is able to carry on full time.
Has played several games for the Ospreys and would be a popular choice for Wales Autumn Internationals.
Cory Harris
Where Did He Go? Newcastle Falcons
Hows He Doing?
A mystery how he was not picked up straight away, signed for Bridgend as a development officer and had a lively start to the season when he was red carded after a few mins after coming on as a sub against Caerphilly.
Then in came Newcastle Falcons and Cory could not turn the offer down, will be vying with Colin Charvis for the 7 jersey after Andrew Mowers retirement.
Mathew Rees
Where Did He Go? Llanelli Scarlets
Hows He Doing?
Had a run of games for the Scarlets due to Robyn McBryde’s injury, has been one of the bright lights in an otherwise dismal start to the season from Llanelli.
Won’t be long till “Smiler” is in line for an international call up.
Maama Molitika
Where Did He Go? Harlequins
Hows He Doing?
Had a few games early in the season for Quins, the side didn’t get off to the best of starts and Quins have picked the tried and tested.
Always plays well at the end of the season.
Richard Parks
Where Did He Go? Leeds Tykes
Hows He Doing?
Another who took time to find a contract, a surprise after he had a good season with the Warriors and that he is able to play anywhere in the back row.
Played a few games for the Tykes but has been left out of the last few games, will need to up his game and impress Phil Davies.
Nathan Budgett
Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues
Hows He Doing?
Has not really played a lot of rugby last season or this season, was named in the Ponty side a few weeks back only to withdraw.
It is hoped he can recapture his form of several years back.
Gethin Jenkins
Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues
Hows He Doing?
“Melon” was forced to play out of position for Wales last year and received some undue criticism, when he plays loosehead he is more than a match for anyone in the world.
Steve Hansen rated him as the best prospect in the Welsh squad because of his gym results.
Will want the Cardiff Blues to start playing a lot better.
Robert Sidoli
Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues
Hows He Doing?
“Sid” missed the summer tour to have an operation after an injury plagued season with the Warriors.
So far there is little evidence he will recapture his form of 2002.
Here’s hoping for an improvement!
Deniol Jones
Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues
Hows He Doing?
One of the shock candidates for Warriors player of the year after some great performances and general consistent play.
Generally underrated and will need to prove himself once again at the Blues.
Its not easy to do that in a losing side.
Brent Cockbain
Where Did He Go? Neath-Swansea Ospreys
Hows He Doing?
Suffered tragedy after his baby boy died about a month ago, our thoughts go out to Brent and his family.
Returned with vigour to the Ospreys line up as they kept up their 100% record in the Celtic League.
Will be looking for some big performances in the Autumn Internationals.
Ryan Jones
Where Did He Go? Neath-Swansea Ospreys
Hows He Doing?
Has kept up the promise he showed with the Warriors, a great ball carrying 8 and has been rewarded with a call up to the Welsh squad.
Chris Horsman
Where Did He Go? Worcester Warriors
Hows He Doing?
Won’t be long till “Horse” is a legend at Wuss’ter and starred in their recent win over French giants Brive.
Is looking to play for the Welsh national side and commuting from Wales every day.
We could do with him, one of the most complete tight heads in the world.
Richard Bryan
Where Did He Go? Newport-Gwent Dragons
Hows He Doing?
The consistent number 8 was just what the Dragons pack needed after departure of Bobby Skinstad.
Looking to represent Wales and on his performances this season it remains a possibility.
Mark Lewis
Where Did He Go? Cardiff Blues
Hows He Doing?
One of the Warriors squad members who battled when the internationals were away, showed great promise.
Has had a few starts for the Blues but as mentioned with some other players difficult to make an impression in an under performing side.
Nick Kelly
Where Did He Go? Newport RFC
Hows He Doing?
Signed for the premiership champions after failing to gain a regional contract, playing well as Newport have made a good start to defending their title.
Christian Loader
Where Did He Go? Bath
Hows He Doing?
Perhaps not the best move with Bath having established props in Barnes and Bell and the potential of young Matt Stevens.
He may get his chance later in the season.
Andrew Joy
Where Did He Go? Bridgend Ravens RFC
Hows He Doing?
Was unlucky with the Warriors got injured then in came Mathew Rees and never got another chance.
Playing well at Bridgend and will be looking for a regional contract in the future.
THE BACKS (Updated 7/11/04)
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 1st 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 1st 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.
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