Gatland’s class of 2008... The players who starred in Grand Slam glory and what they’re doing now
THE fact Wales have had three different Grand Slam-winning squads in the past 13 years is really quite remarkable.
For many, the triumph of 2005 will never be topped, simply because of the barren years that had proceeded it.
But, in 2008, with a new coach at the helm following the most disastrous of World Cups, the achievement of Warren Gatland’s first ever Wales squad was up there with the greatest in Welsh rugby history.
It was a squad that had a bit of everything, with the likes of Shane Williams providing the magic behind a tough, mobile pack of forwards that never took a backwards step.
And it all started with that famous Twickenham comeback when a team containing 13 Ospreys stunned England. You can read more about how the tournament unfolded here.
Here is the story of what’s become of the squad and the six members who are still playing now...
Jamie Roberts:
Many may forget Roberts actually made his Wales debut on the wing against Scotland in the 2008 campaign, with Gavin Henson and Tom Shanklin still very much Wales’ first-choice midfield duo. It was only later Warren Gatland identified Roberts as the midfield battering ram he would build his game plan around. Roberts now has 94 caps and two Lions tours to his name, and is still going strong at Bath at the age of 32. A big outsider for Wales’ 2019 Rugby World Cup squad but it’s not something that’s totally out of the question.
Lee Byrne:
Full-back Byrne was at the peak of his powers during the early days of Gatland’s reign before relations soured with the Welsh management, culminating in the explosive autobiography he published last year that slammed Rob Howley. Byrne, who famously scored in that stunning opening victory over England 10 years ago, retired in 2015 and he currently does a mixture or radio, TV, charity and hospitality work.
Shane Williams:
The wing wizard scooped the World Player of the Year award in 2008, thanks largely to his stunning Six Nations form. Scored six tries in the Championship as the Slam was sealed. Shane is now a regular TV pundit, hospitality event speaker, triathlon competitor, marathon runner, charity worker and pretty much anything else you can think of.
Mark Jones:
The winger played in four of the five matches in 2008, but was forced to retire just a couple of years later in 2010. He’s now coaching RGC up in North Wales.
Tom James:
One of the six who are still playing professional rugby, James is part of the Cardiff Blues squad but is still finding his way back to form after taking a break from the game last season to deal with depression. He was in the 2008 squad as a 21-year-old but didn’t play.
Tom Shanklin:
Followed up his 2005 Grand Slam exploits with another in 2008, forming a brilliant partnership with Gavin Henson. Won 70 caps in all but missed out on the 2009 Lions tour with injury. Retired in 2011 and is now working in the media as well as having other business interests.
Sonny Parker:
A popular player among his peers, New Zealand-born Parker was one of the 13 Ospreys picked for the opening match against England in 2008, featuring in two other matches during the campaign. He won five trophies with the Ospreys and played at two World Cups.
Parker became Director of Rugby at London Welsh before returning to New Zealand earlier this year.
Gavin Henson:
The poster boy of the 2005 Grand Slam was equally as effective in 2008, starting and winning all five matches. The years that followed were infamously troubled but he’s a more settled man now and is still playing for the Dragons at the age of 36.
Stephen Jones:
Started the 2008 Championship as second choice to James Hook but proved to be instrumental with 44 points in four matches that included seven conversions and 10 penalties.
Turns out he’s not a bad coach either, helping Wayne Pivac guide the Scarlets to success in recent years. He’s set to be the Kiwi’s Wales assistant after the World Cup.
James Hook:
Started the first game of the Gatland reign at Twickenham, played superbly against Scotland and then lost his place to Jones for the final matches of the tournament. A great talent who Gatland grew to distrust on the big occasions, Hook is still doing a job for the Ospreys.
Mike Phillips:
Gatland really liked Phillips, despite many Wales fans at the time preferring Dwayne Peel. This was the tournament where Phillips established himself as number one and he would go on to play his best rugby for Wales and the Lions under the Kiwi. Retired in December, 2015, and has been a busy man since, getting married, becoming a dad and taking a job as a coach in Dubai.
Dwayne Peel:
For a period around 2005, Peel was arguably seen as the best scrum-half on the planet. But the arrival of Gatland saw a changing of the guard, with Peel dropped during the 2008 campaign. His 2009 move to Sale seemed to severely damage his international prospects and he never really recovered. Has gone on to become a coach and is currently assistant at Ulster.
Gareth Cooper:
Had established himself as Wales’ number one at the 2003 World Cup but was overtaken by Peel and Phillips by the time we got to 2008. Retired with 46 caps to his name in 2010 and now owns a gym in Bridgend. Came out of retirement to play for Pencoed in 2016.
Huw Bennett:
Started four of the five matches in the 2008 championship, being one of 13 Ospreys named in the starting XV to face England. After being involved in Wales’ run to the 2011 World Cup semi-final, Bennett was forced into retirement through injury in 2013 but eagle-eyed fans may notice him during Wales matches in his role as Assistant Strength & Conditioning coach.
Matthew Rees:
Rees only started one match during Gatland’s maiden Six Nations, but he soon earned the starting hooker spot and even the Wales captaincy under the Kiwi. Still playing for the Cardiff Blues at the age of 37 and having overcome testicular cancer, Rees recently released his