Numbers add up for Blues stalwart Navidi

WHEN it comes to the great oneregion servants of the Welsh game, there are a few names that spring to mind.

You’ve got the 40-year-old Tau Filise, who has made an incredible 246 appearances for Cardiff Blues – a figure unsurpassed by any other current regional player.

Then there’s fellow prop Paul James, who has played 227 games for the Ospreys during two spells either side of a stay at Bath, with his team-mates Alun Wyn Jones (215) and Dan Biggar (209) not far behind.

There are two more double centurions among the current squads in Scarlets hooker Ken Owens (208) and Dragons back rower Lewis Evans, who will make his 205th appearance for the Men of Gwent against the Ospreys tonight.

As for men who have appeared for more than one region, leading the way is former Wales skipper Matthew Rees, who has tallied 282 outings in his time with Celtic Warriors, Scarlets and now Cardiff Blues.

There’s also Dan Evans, who has a combined total of 217 from his stints with Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys.

And, then, if you are talking about one-region stalwarts of recent years, a man who definitely fits the bill is Josh Navidi.

He’s one of the most-instantly recognisable figures in the Welsh game with his long dreadlocks and is also one of the most respected.

The back rower will make his 149th appearance for the Blues against Scarlets this weekend and it’s hard to remember a poor performance in that number.

He has been a beacon of consistency along the way, but also adaptability, slotting in with equal aplomb at 6, 7 or 8, often switching from week to week.

For a long while, his excellence went unrewarded at international level, with his Wales debut against Japan in 2013 being followed by four years in the wilderness.

But, finally, his efforts have borne fruit. He started both Tests on the South Seas tour, packing down at No.8 against Tonga and Samoa.

And now he’s been named in Warren Gatland’s squad for the autumn internationals, which means a first Wales outing on home soil is very much on the cards.

“It’s obviously been a while coming,” said the 26-year-old.

“Back in the day, I did get disappointed, but you learn from it and just have to get on with your job. “You just have to keep going weekin, week-out, and not let it hinder your performance in any way. “Going out in the summer was an honour and I had a decent tour. “It’s nice to be named in the squad now and I’m looking forward to it. “I wasn’t expecting anything. I think the same every time. I just do my part on the pitch and try and put my hand up. “Getting the email and getting named in the squad was a proud moment for me and my family.” So what role does Mr Versatile anticipate playing with Wales during the forthcoming autumn series, which features Tests against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Georgia? “I’m not too sure what position they are seeing me in,” he said. “Obviously there are a lot of 7s injured and there are not too many 8s covering for Taulupe. “I will just see what they want from me when I get up there. “Obviously, I can cover anywhere in the back row. I will just see how it goes when I get up there on Monday. “I get asked a lot what my favourite position is. “It’s just being on the pitch at the end of the day.

“Obviously at 6 you are more of a lineout forward, at No.8 you get your hands on the ball and then 7 you are over that breakdown.

“But as soon as that lineout has gone it’s just an open game and it’s however you play, so I’ve got no preference really.

“I’ve always covered 6, 7 and 8. You’ve just got to fill whatever role you are given, get on the pitch and enjoy it.”

It’s almost eight years ago to the day since the Bridgend boy made his Blues debut against Leinster on Halloween night 2009.

He’s witnessed plenty of ups and downs for the region along the way, not least this season.

But just in the last few weeks, things have been on an upward curve, with four wins in the last five matches, culminating in a famous European Challenge Cup victory away to Toulouse last Friday.

“To get a win out there doesn’t come often,” said Navidi.

“The boys were bouncing in the changing room afterwards.”

Next up now is a trip to league champions Scarlets tomorrow evening.

“It’s a tough place to go, but we’ve done it before,” he said.

“There’s always that edge in a Welsh derby.

“I am looking forward to it and getting out and bumping noses.

“It’s about showing we can back it up from Toulouse now.”