Neil Jenkins

Neil Jenkins (born 8 July 1971) is a former rugby union footballer who played fly-half, centre, or full back for Pontypridd and Cardiff, Wales and the British Lions.

Jenkins was born in Church Village, Wales. He made his Wales debut aged 19 along with Scott Gibbs. Jenkins strength was his kicking, and many felt that he was not worthy enough to inherit the Welsh number 10 shirt of Barry John, Phil Bennett and Morgan.

Jenkins went on the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa, playing full back in all three tests. His extremely accurate goalkicking enabled the Lions to stay in touch with the Springboks during the first two tests, allowing them to win both of them, and thus the series 2-1.

Jenkins also went on the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, but was carrying an injury, English fly-half Jonny Wilkinson being the preferred fly-half and goalkicker. Jenkins did gain his fourth Lions cap as a late replacement in the second test.

During his 87 caps he scored 1049 points in an often struggling Welsh side. At the time of writing, 2004, this is the current world record, although this is likely to be passed by Jonny Wilkinson in the next two to three years.

Neil Jenkins announced his retirement from rugby and played his last match - a testimonial on June 6th 2004