KEV KICKS OFF

IT’S interesting reading and hearing about all the players that are in the final year of their contracts. The big talk is that Dan Biggar is heading to Northampton. He’s been a great servant to the Ospreys, coming through the academy and now at 28 years old, I think it will be a fantastic move for him to experience a new and tougher competition in the Aviva Premiership. I think Warren Gatland will definitely pick Biggar as one of his wild cards as he’s still the best fly-half in Wales and some say he should have been in the Lions test team.

I see John Kear, the Wales rugby league coach, has picked a 38-man training squad for the 2017 World Cup in Australia. They’ve got a tough group with Papua New guinea, Fiji and Ireland. Wales have got a mixture of Super League players and Championship players with a few from Australia. I really hope that Wigan’s Ben Flower and Warrington’s Rhys Evans get over their injuries and are fit to travel and play. Their experience is needed with a young squad. I really hope they do well in this World Cup as under Iestyn Harris in 2013 they didn’t win a game. It’s going to be tough this time too as Papua New Guinea and Fiji will have quality players who play in the NRL and will be used to the conditions.

Just another short reminder. This Saturday I will be taking part in the Hilary Floyd Ellis netball tournament – 1.30pm at Bridgend Tennis Centre. There are 18 teams taking part this year. Let’s hope we can have a great day and raise lots of money for Velindre. The week after, Allan Bateman and I will turn out for Aberavon Past team playing against the current team so I think it will be a short and sharp appearance. All proceeds go to prostate cancer. QUESTION: Do you think we will see more Welsh players leaving Wales?

Yes I do. As a rugby player they have got to earn as much as they possibly can because we all know it can be one injury and that’s your rugby career over. I understand the argument about loyalty to club and country but it’s a job now.