WHAT a difference a year makes.

Just 12 months ago, Welsh forward Ryan Jones, from High Cross, Newport, was facing up to unemployment as the Celtic Warriors were wound-up. But now the Neath-Swansea Osprey is a Grand Slam winner and a household name in Wales.

And when he looks back over the past 12 months, Jones couldn't be blamed if he sometimes has to pinch himself to check he's not dreaming.

After the match, he said: "I was unemployed this time last year. The Celtic Warriors were coming to an end and I didn't know what the future held and so it could be said that it is has been a roller-coaster year for me.

"It's such an electric feeling that you can't really put it into words. It has been a magical year for me.

"Some of the boys have been here for years and they've been through all the lows. During those times I was watching it from the terraces.

"So to be part of this is just a magical feeling. It is just desert for how hard we've trained. We've all played our hearts out and it has paid off."

Jones, 24, whose success parents Stephen and Julia and sister Lisa are so proud of, has now urged his Welsh team-mates to go on and dominate world rugby after their 2005 RBS Six Nations Grand Slam victory.

He said: "This is just a stepping stone for this team. It is one part of the bigger picture. We are a young team who are building for the future.

"We have to try and get better and dominate like England have done for years."

Not even named in the 22-man squad for the Grand Slam decider, Blaenavon-born centre Mark Taylor was content just to have a ticket for the big game.

But when Rhys Williams and then Hal Luscombe failed fitness tests, out of nowhere Taylor found himself lining up for Wales in the biggest game of his career ... on the wing.

There is an amazing similarity to Newport's Gareth Evans who, 27 years ago, came in at the last minute for the injured Gerald Davies during Wales' last Grand Slam decider.

And Taylor, who will be unemployed at the end of season after being released by the Llanelli Scarlets, hopes he can now find himself a club after the hardest year of his life.

He said: "History has repeated itself. It is such a sweet moment. It will remain in my memory for a long time.

"I was excited when I found out I was playing.

"For me it has been a tough year but this makes it all worthwhile.

"It makes the entire career worthwhile. It is the biggest highlight anyone could possibly have."

The 32-year-old added: "I'm looking for a club. The Scarlets have released me so I don't know what the future holds. I'll hang around as long as possible but you've got to take your hat off to the youngsters who have come of age."

Taylor was supported by his girlfriend in the stadium but due to him not knowing he was playing until late, Mum and Dad couldn't be there.

He said: "It would have been nice for my mum and dad to be here but it's is just one of those things."