Humph gets the Blues

Me and legend Humph
By Andrew Collins
May 6 2005

Ex-Cardiff favourite Jon Humphreys has signed a 2-year coaching deal with current club Bath, in a bid to take his career away from the feild. He played his last game last weekend coming on for Bath, Captaining the side he moved to in 2002.

Having left Cardiff, the international hooker became captain and fan favourite at new club Bath. He originally signed a 1-year deal for the English club, but signed a 2-year extension at the end of the season. Now 36, Bridgend born Humphreys has decided to hang up his boots. Leaving director of rugby at Bath, John Connolly has praised Humphreys decision to turn to coaching, saying "Jonathan is one of the best. He's astute and has definitely got the desire and intellect to do it, I think he will develop pretty quickly and contribute greatly as a coach."

But he admits his heart still lies in Cardiff, now with the Blues, "My heart is in Cardiff. I follow the Blues avidly and I am great friends with coaches Dai Young and Rob Howley and captain Martyn Williams. I have been offered a role here and it would be silly not to take it."

Humphreys character can be summed up by his acts in 2003 which saw him amazingly return to the Welsh set-up, having not played since 1999. Wales were bottom of the 6 nations having lost to Italy away, and were receiving heavy criticism and a huge injury problem. Humphreys answered an SOS call sent out by Wales coach Steve Hanson. He went on to captain the side for the remainder of the 6N and pick up the moral of the struggling players. "Being captain of Wales [first time around] was probably the best and worst part of my life," he said. "I loved it initially but, as captain, I did receive a lot of criticism. But I learnt from it and it probably allowed me to enjoy the two games I had as captain when I was recalled."

Humph would be welcomed back to the Arms Park with open arms, and it looks as though the scenario is likely, "I can see myself going back to Wales in a couple of years time." We wish him the best of luck with bath and look forward to his inevitable return, sooner rather than later.