‘Smiler’ isn’t planning his last laugh just yet
MATTHEW Rees may now be into his 38th year, but the former Wales skipper has no intention of hanging up his boots any time soon.
Instead, he is on the look out for a new contract, such is the enjoyment he is still getting out of the game.
The hooker has made more regional appearances than any other current player, a total of 289, made up of 17 for the Celtic Warriors, 182 at the Scarlets and 90 for his present employers Cardiff Blues.
The man known as ‘Smiler’ actually made his senior debut way back in 2000 for Pontypridd, who he now coaches one day a week, bringing his career full circle.
But 18 years on, he has no plan to call it a day just yet, having been one of the Blues’ stand-out performers this season.
“The biggest thing is I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment and hopefully that shows on the field,” said the veteran hooker.
“For me, it’s about making sure I perform when I wear the jersey and I take each game as it comes.
“It doesn’t tend to happen a lot, people playing into their late 30s, especially in my position.
“But the environment we have got here is fantastic.
“Danny Wilson has done a great job since he came in and it’s a lot easier enjoying your rugby when you are enjoying the working week.
“I think that’s evident in my performances of late.
“When Danny came in, it was just going to be the one more year for me, but then come the end of that season I was enjoying my rugby and it’s gone on from there.
“It’s only one career you have and I never want to hang my boots up for the sake of hanging them up. I’m keen to carry on playing next season.”
By any means, the man from Tonyrefail has had a pretty illustrious career.
Making his Wales debut in 2005, he went on to win 60 caps for his country, while also playing in all three Tests on the Lions’ 2009 tour of South Africa.
He was made Welsh captain the following year and was to skipper the team nine times before injury cruelly ruled him out of leading them at the 2011 World Cup.
But his most remarkable achievement was yet to come.
In the autumn of 2013, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Yet, not only did he beat the illness and return to playing, but he earned a Wales recall, figuring in both Tests the following summer in South Africa.
Four more years on, he is still going strong and remains eager to stay out on the park for as long as possible.
“At this moment in time, I am enjoying my rugby and hopefully I will be playing again next season,” he said.
“I would like to stay here ideally. I would definitely want to finish my career here in Wales.
“Who knows? Hopefully I will be playing professional rugby next year.
“Obviously the coaching is a bit on the side and I’m enjoying that aspect of it.
“But I’m only committed to Pontypridd on a Tuesday night. I do match days as and when I can fit them in, if I’m not playing.
“So in terms of the working week I’m a professional rugby player and that’s my job.”
Rees will continue that job this Sunday when he features against Toulouse in a huge European Challenge Cup clash at the Arms Park.
If the pool-topping Blues win, they will be virtually guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.