Profile

Neil Jenkins is one of the most influential and recognisable figures in welsh rugby, renowned for his performance on the pitch and his genuine and down to earth personality off the pitch. Jenkins won a total of 87 caps for his county and scored over 1000 points throughout his rugby career.

Jenkins began his career playing for Pontypridd RFC and Cardiff RFC. He made his senior Wales debut in 1991 against England. In his career he scored 11 tries, 10 drop goals, 235 penalties and 130 conversions, this does not include the 41 points gained as a British and Irish Lion.

At his retirement Jenkins had scored a total of 1090 points and was rugby unions leading point score until Jonny Wilkinson moved into the lead with 1093 earlier this year. Jenkins represented his country in 9 Five Nation Championships, 2 Six Nation Championships and 2 Rugby World Cups.

In 2000, Jenkins was awarded and MBE for his contribution to sport, Jenkins is renowned for his kicking talent and this was further reinforced by the 44 consecutive kicks he scored for his then club the Celtic Warriors in the 2003 -2004 season.

In 2004 Jenkins announced his retirement for the rugby scene, a pivotal moment in his career was his conversion in the Five Nations Championship fixture against England which put Wales into the lead. It was this kick which Jenkins later claimed to be his best ever when announcing his decision to retire.

Jenkins returned to the Welsh Rugby Union in the Autumn of 2004 under the title of Kicking Skills Coach. He worked closely with the newly formed WRU Academies to improve the future generations of players.

In 2006 Jenkins returned to the international scene this time as a Skills Coach, he worked alongside then Coach Gareth Jenkins during the 2007 Rugby World Cup Campaign and in 2008 joined Warren Gatland’s management team where he successfully helped Wales to a second Grand Slam Victory in four years.

Statistics

Full Name: Neil Jenkins
Clubs: Pontypridd / Cardiff RFC
Regions: Celtic Warriors
Honours: Wales (87 Caps)

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