Gareth Llewellyn

Infobox Rugby Union biography
playername = Gareth Llewellyn


fullname = Gareth Llewellyn
dateofbirth = 27th February 1969
cityofbirth = Cardiff
countryofbirth = Wales
height = 1.98cm
weight = 114 kg
nickname =
school =
university =
relatives =
position = Lock
currentclub = Bristol Rugby
clubnumber =
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 05 - 08
clubs = Bristol Rugby
caps(points) = 52(15)
ru_provinceyears =
ru_province =
ru_provincecaps =
super14years =
super14 =
super14caps =
youthrepyears =
youthrepteam =
youthrepcaps(points) =
repyears = 1989-2006
repteam = Wales
repcaps(points) = 92(?)
ru_sevensnationalyears =
ru_sevensnationalteam =
ru_sevensnationalcomp =
pcupdate =
repupdate =

Gareth Llewellyn (born 27 February 1969 in St. David's Hospital Cardiff) whilst his father was serving in Cardiff with the Army, is a Welsh rugby union player who gained a record 92 caps for Wales as a lock. His record for Wales caps has since been surpassed by the country's current leader, Gareth Thomas, and Colin Charvis. His brother, Glyn Llewellyn, also played international rugby for Wales.

Llewellyn started his playing career at Llanharan RFC and then moved on to play first class rugy at Neath, Harlequins, Ospreys and Narbonne, and signed for Bristol Shoguns at the beginning of the 2005-06 season.

He made his debut for Wales in 1989 against New Zealand and went on to win 92 caps, breaking the record of 87 held by Neil Jenkins in the test against Argentina on 12 June 2004. He captained Wales 7 times and has appeared in three Rugby World Cups - 1995, 1999 and 2003. He played international rugby in three different decades and under eight different coaches. Following Wales' Grand Slam in the 2004-05 season, he announced his retirement from international rugby.

Llewellyn's longevity, and in particular his continued presence as a top-tier player over a period of nearly twenty years has earned him the nickname "The Master" amongst supporters. This reflects his status as an elder statesman amongst Welsh second rows.

From the beginning of the 2008-09 season, Llewellyn will combine playing with a coaching role at Welsh First Division club Tonmawr. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7541538.stm]

ee also

* List of rugby union Test caps leaders

References

External links

* [http://www.bristolrugby.co.uk/4540_3097.php Bristol profile]
* [http://www.wru.co.uk/12828_356.php Wales profile]