Allan BATEMAN

Allan Bateman's quiet and laidback style belied a steely determination that made him one of the best Welsh backs of the 1990s. Sublime timing of pass, awareness of space and a vice-like tackle that earned him the nickname of 'The Clamp' in his rugby league days, were his hallmarks. A Wales Youth cap, he played for Maesteg and Neath before winning four caps in the 1990 season. He looked set to play for Wales for many years but in those amateur days the lure of rugby league proved too much. He signed for Warrington in September 1990 and enjoyed a highly successful career in that code, playing 13 times for Wales and twice for Great Britain. He also had a successful spell in Australia with the Cronulla Sharks. Alan returned to rugby union, signing for Richmond and later Northampton, after a six year absence. Soon back in the international set-up, he played impressively against the touring Springboks in 1996.

He scored his first try for his country in the 27-22 defeat in Paris in 1997 and collected two more in the 70-21 victory over Romania in Wrexham. With many league converts returning home to Wales, the national game began somewhat of a renaissance. The British Lions squad of 1997 also had a heavy league influence and Bateman was joined by Scott Gibbs, Allan Tait and John Bentley on the momentous tour of South Africa. The tour provided Bateman with the perfect stage to exhibit his talents. The Lions' running game was ideally suited to his own and he turned in several eye-catching performances in the midweek games with a youthful Will Greenwood in the centre. Bateman got his reward with a Lions cap in the final test as a replacement - the series had already been won. (John Lovell)

In the 1998 season Allan Bateman scored three tries in Championship games, including two against England at Twickenham. It capped a great season, as he was the only non-French player nominated for the 1997-1998 European player of the year award. As a versatile player he could play on the wing with the same style and class that characterised his centre play. Alan scored a hat-trick as a wing against the U.S.A Eagles in the uncapped match in 1999, the year he was named as Welsh Player of the Year. Welsh rugby's recovery had continued to build momentum and in 1998 Bateman played in the historic series victory over Argentina - the first by a home nations side in Argentina. This was followed by a first victory over South Africa - the first to be played at Welsh rugby's new home, the Millennium stadium.

Momentum continued into the 1999 World Cup, hosted by Wales. Bateman, again playing on the wing, grabbed a try against the Japanese in an easy 64-15 win. The group stages were safely negotiated but Wales would go out to the eventual champions Australia in the quarter-finals. In 2000, Alan claimed his eighth test try in the win over Italy. His 10 tries in 35 tests clearly shows his ability to sniff out a try. It was also a tremendous season for Bateman's club side, Northampton, who won the Heineken Cup - Alan inevitably was a major contributor in this triumph. Despite his advancing years, he still exuded class and made up in experience and guile what might have been lost in pace. He was still more than capable of pulling off a try-saving tackle or executing a try-making pass. In 2001 having enjoyed victory against Tonga, the quiet man of Welsh rugby bowed out. There have been few players blessed with his skills, fewer still with his modesty and dignity. Nice guys do win.....sometimes! (John Lovell)