On one of my last visits into the office to tie up loose ends now my time with The Dragons was over, Kath (Media Manager) asked me if I would "like to make a contribution to the match day programme." Once I agreed, my thoughts drifted back to my time as a top level (debatable) player, and how rugby has played such a large part of my development as a person and the great opportunities this game has given me.
I started my professional career at Stradey Park under the current Welsh regime. Llanelli were and perhaps still are the benchmark for Welsh rugby. Their history dictates that the standards are always high and the senior players pass down a legacy of true professionalism that Simon Easterby and Stephen Jones provide today. This is something we must ensure is part of our region.
When the chance of a move to the ambitious and my hometown club of Bridgend came up my four seasons with the Scarlets was ended and I teamed up with Dennis John for what was to prove an emotional roller coaster three seasons but ultimately in terms of personal performance the most rewarding. Once again the senior players, in particular Gareth Thomas drove the team forward and a close team bond was forged which brought the league title to the Brewery Field.
With the advent of regional rugby came the opportunity to work with Mike Ruddock and The Dragons. The first year we spent together as a team (of rejects) was a great experience. Mike and Clive Griffiths again along with the senior players and a hungry squad made for a keen, organised and tenacious XV. To go into the last 40 minutes of the season in pole position speaks volumes for the work carried out by the men I have just mentioned. I'm sorry if I don't dwell on the reign of Declan Kidney but I can't remember much!
The final chapter of my career was a very good experience indeed. From the moment Paul Turner came on board I knew I would be able to experiment by pulling rabbits out of hats and whatever I did had to be done with style (a quality Paul had in abundance for which the opposing crowds always loved him for!)
To finish I can honestly say that the day to day environment was made very enjoyable because of the camaraderie between the players and the friendships forged, from Dano to Buncie to Babs to Sagey to Mullet and the ground staff, people have been nice to me.
I believe that the day-to-day running of the region is in safe hands and that the history and legacy I mentioned earlier is currently being forged by a few good men. Jim McCreedy, Dai Rees, Leigh Jones and Paul Turner are the afore mentioned good men and its been a very valuable life experience to have spent time with people of this calibre. I wish the region as a whole all the luck it deserves because it has been a pleasure to be part of its birth. As 'Del boy' would say its not goodbye but bonjour!
By
Craig Warlow
