Curtain call for Blues ace Jenkins
WALES prop star Gethin Jenkins wants to follow the path of Shaun Edwards as he takes his first steps on the coaching ladder.
A chronic knee injury has forced the Wales prop to hang up his boots at the age of 37 with today’s PRO14 clash with Zebre his last for the Cardiff Blues.
He has set his sights on becoming a top coach and will remain at the Arms Park in a coaching capacity.
“I’ve played under Shaun for years and I’ll definitely take a lot out of his methods,” said the 134 times capped international. “He’s a great coach and he’s got a great way of getting things across.
“He’s got a passionate streak that stands out from anyone else. That’s one of the things that’s pushed me into coaching and I’ll try hard to learn as much as I can off him.
“I’m probably going to specialise in defence. It’s an area that I’ve taken a keen interest in but I’m starting again.
“I’ve got the knowledge but I’m happy to bed in over the first couple of years and see how it goes.” History will remember Jenkins as one of the greatest loose-heads of the modern era having won three Grand Slams and five Test caps for the British Lions over the course of three tours. And the former Toulon star is sure he is leaving both the Blues and Wales in a strong position.
“Hopefully the boys coming through at the Blues will be able to do the job,” he said. “We’ve got some good young props coming through and I think Wales are also in a good place.
“Nicky Smith, Rob Evans and Wyn Jones have all put in some good performances on the international stage and they will all challenge each other for the jersey.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them all progress.”