Hero on Parade

Rod Snow has lived through the good times and the bad when Newport were all but relegated, the massive lift given by the arrival of Tony Brown and an influx of world stars, then the introduction of regional rugby and all the turbulence that brought.

Yet Snow remained firm, giving a lesson in loyalty to those born and bred here who flew the nest when the going got tough.

And it's not as if he didn't have an opportunity to move, for leading clubs like the Wasps made him attractive offers when he was at the peak of his powers.

But he spurned them, chose to remain and has been rewarded with a testimonial match on Saturday, a rare occurrence.

Players are coming from all over the world to mark the occasion. Shane Howarth has flown in from New Zealand, South Africa legend Gary Teichmann arrives tomorrow, Gareth Rees is coming from Canada, Matt Mostyn from Ireland, Simon Raiwalui from London after a great career with Fiji and a whole lot more from Snow's time at Rodney Parade.

"A lot of guys have made a big effort like Gary flying in from Friday to Sunday when he's got a lot going on in his business. Taking the time to do that speaks volumes for the man he is," said Snow.

"Shane is coming from the other side of the world and Gareth Rees is coming in on a ten-hour flight all of which is very humbling."

Snow arrived from Canada at the second attempt - Customs officers sent him back first time because of work permit problems when they were in their infancy for rugby union.

"It was the first year of pro rugby and I was on a one-year contract. There were lots of good players here like Kevin Moseley, Alun Carter, Mike Voyle and Gareth Rees, I got a taste for it and they offered me a two-year contract," recalled Snow.

"But then we had a disastrous spell (when Newport lost five times in a season to Caerphilly, Snow captain twice) and the worst place in the world seemed like a better place to be.

"We were relegated but Cardiff and Swansea going to play in England saved us. Wasps, Sale, West Hartlepool and Bridgend all showed an interest and Newport offered me another two-year deal but with less money.

"If there was ever a time to go now was it, and though it did play on my mind there was also the guilt as we had just been 'relegated' and I had to give them a chance to get back.

"I figured if I'm part of the problem getting us here I should be part of getting them back up, but Cardiff and Swansea's decision meant maybe I was rewarded for taking a tough decision, though morally and ethically it was the right one."

Then came Tony Brown and the recruitment of a host of overseas stars. "There was a new buzz and it was a super place to be," said Snow. "Ultimately we won the cup after going so long without success and it was the most remarkable part of my career.

"It made all the papers back home which is unusual for rugby. I was even on the front page and winning the cup with that group of guys was a real highlight."

Snow's caps rocketed from five when he arrived to 55 by the time he finished, and he missed a few as well, but then came the exit of the overseas stars as they retired.

"It was the end of an era, but to disregard a player like Simon (Raiwalui) when he could have got a place in any team in the world because he wasn't Welsh was not right and it left a bad taste," he said.

"But rugby is a pro game and things change. So I was frustrated when I didn't get many starts under Mike Ruddock last season with Newport Gwent Dragons, but the club did incredibly with a team of so-called rejects.

"I enjoyed this season, selfishly because I played my part more before the wheels fell off a bit. But I still see foreign players coming to this club, the board are ambitious, their heart is in the right place and they are big enough to shoulder the responsibility."

He intends helping young athletes with strength and conditioning back in Canada. They don't come much stronger than Rod Snow.