Welsh international wishes Scorpions well
Welsh international and former Workington Town forward Gareth Dean has wished South Wales Scorpions luck as the new professional team in Wales goes up against his old club on Sunday at The Gnoll.
Dean, who has won 11 full Welsh caps, had a spell at Workington in 2004 but also played at Wigan Warriors and Celtic Crusaders before settling in France. He now plays for Elite League side Carcassonne.
The Ynysybwl-born forward has fond memories of the time that he was with the Crusaders, where he made 61 appearances between 2006 and 2008, and it was that time of club building in South Wales that prompted him to send the good luck message from the south of France.
“I’d like to wish all players and staff all the best for the challenge that lies ahead of you all in 2010,” said Dean, who started his rugby league career with Cardiff Demons, playing in the pack alongside Gethin Jenkins.
“I’m really glad that the roots that were set in place during the Crusaders short life-time in South Wales haven’t been in vain, and now the Scorpions can give young players in Wales a realistic goal and pathway to Super League.
“I’m sure that the Crusaders will benefit from this hugely, now and in years to come. With the amount of rugby players in our country now playing rugby league, it’s now a real option for young children to pursue this sport.
“I’d like to send my best to my former team-mate at the Crusaders, Hywel “Tractor” Davies, the assistant coach at the club and also to past players who I had the chance to play alongside, like Craig Richards, Dean Scully and Lee “Turkey” Williams to name just a few.
“All the very best and I’ll try to get over for a fixture in the summer at sometime when the French domestic season has ended.”
South Wales Scorpions v Workington Town kicks off at 1pm this Sunday 28th February at The Gnoll in Neath. Season tickets, costing just £30 for concessions and £60 for adults can be bought by going to www.scorpionsrl.com or calling 01656 863896. Admission prices for Sunday’s game against Workington Town cost just £4 for concessions and £8 for adults.