Rugby star in appeal to catch thieves in testimonial kit burglary
WALES international Paul James has issued an appeal to catch thieves who broke into the Neath RFC changing rooms on the weekend and stole some testimonial kit.
A who’s who of Welsh rugby greats turned out to celebrate the career of prop James at the Gnoll on Saturday afternoon.
The Wales international, who has 66 caps to his name, has been celebrating his testimonial this season and the all-star occasion in Neath was part of it.
But the theft of two jerseys, polo shirts, socks and shorts belonging to James and former Neath skipper Paul Jones, has left a sour taste after what was a glorious afternoon of rugby.
The game featured the likes of Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, Jonathan Thomas, Dafydd James and Dafydd Jones.
Rowland Phillips was back at the Gnoll, with Chris Wyatt, Jason Forster and Allan Bateman also lacing up their boots once again.
But it was former Welsh All Black Jones and fellow loosehead James who were targeted with two No.1 jerseys, along with polo shirts, socks and shorts taken following their clash with a Classic Lions XV.
James wrote on his Facebook account: “Disappointed that someone went into the Neath changing rooms and went into Paul Jones’bag and took his and mine match shirts. Only two jerseys made with number 1 on the back, if any body gets offered these please let us know.Cheers.”
The testimonial jerseys were specially made for the match, and with just two bearing No.1, would be easily identified if sold on or worn out in public.
Jones put out on his Facebook account: “How low can someone go. Some t**t has been in my bag in the changing at the Gnoll and taken my playing kit from Saturday. Means a lot more to me than you. If you want to drop it off at Neath RFC clubhouse for me it will be much appreciated as I don’t think you can walk around with Assey’s testimonial shirt with the number 1 on the back without being noticed. Drop the kit off and nothing will be said. Caught wearing it, suffer the consequences. Up to you.”