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Even in its darkest times, Welsh rugby could still unearth a gem or two. Sadly, that didn't always mean it knew what to do with them. Tony Clement was a perfect example of this. The Swansea youngster burst onto the international scene as a fullback against England in 1988 - a Triple Crown year for the Welsh - having made his debut as a centre replacement in a 46-0 thrashing of the U.S.A the previous year; a debut incidentally in which he scored two tries. The twenty year old showed no nerves and English attempts to bombard him with an aerial assault proved fruitless. Clement was a talented and adventurous runner and it was from a dashing break that Adrian Hadley would score the decisive try in an 11-3 win. If a break wasn't on, then Tony had a thunderous right boot which would clear his line.
All were in agreement that Clement looked made for test rugby but he missed the rest of the season through injury. However, he would never fully cement his place in the side despite gaining 37 caps. For Welsh selectors, Paul Thorburn, the record breaking Neath fullback, was always the safe bet, despite the fact that he had none of the running talents that Clement was so abundantly blessed with. With Thorburn in Clement's natural position, the Swansea man was too often neglected or played out of position. Injury didn't help. Incredibly, it wasn't until the 1992 season that he played a full Five Nations' season. Yet, as so often has happened in Welsh rugby, outsiders could see his gifts. With only a handful of caps, Clement was called out as replacement wing for the successful British Lions' Tour of Australia in 1989. He was a popular tourist who played in the unbeaten midweek side - the wonderfully named, 'Donal's Donuts', after their skipper Donal Lenihan. (John Lovell)
Tony Clement is pictured above playing for Wales on 6th. March 1993. Pic G Herringshaw ©.
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