This season in the official virtual matchday programmes, we’ve invited former Cardiff Arms Park heroes to draw up their dream XV, with each individual opting for unique themes to their sides.
This week, Welsh international flanker, Cardiff Blues strength and conditioning coach, owner of ION Gym and fitness fanatic, Robin Sowden-Taylor, names his “Athletic XV”, made up of players he’s played with or coached at the Arms Park.
15. Matthew Morgan
A regular visitor to Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, where most players dread but he seems to love it. He keeps himself in excellent condition and his athletic ability shows on field with his game-changing side step and his pace off the mark.
14. Anthony Sullivan
Power and pace. A classic combination that is deadly on the rugby field.
13. Gareth Thomas
Alfie was an incredible all-round athlete who had it all. He was quick, strong, powerful and had the stamina to run all day.
12. Iestyn Harris
His power and low centre of gravity was incredible, and had an unbelievable ability to make breaks that never seemed there. Having played with the brilliantly talented Iestyn, Jarrod Evans is someone who reminds me so much of him.
11. Jonah Lomu
Not many people will stand at 6ft 5in, tip the scales at 19 stone an still be able to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds. Unbelievable! I’d actually played against Jonah in the World Sevens Series, which wasn’t much fun, and much preferred it when he was on my side. The stand-out athlete of all time.
10. Jarrod Evans
Probably under-rated when it comes to his athletic ability and strength. You won’t find many outside halves who can bench press more than 150kgs.
9. Lloyd Williams
As an all-round athlete, Lloyd is a specimen. He’s the one that smashes the fitness tests, but he’s also powerful in the gym and an excellent professional.
1. Gethin Jenkins
Melon had an unbelievable engine. He used to beat most backs and back-rowers in our aerobic fitness tests. He could run all day long.
2. Liam Belcher
Belch is a powerhouse in the gym. Don’t be fooled by his height. He’s a monster who lifts 245kg on a full back squat, and I’m not talking about half reps. I haven’t seen many stronger individuals in the gym.
3. Taufa’ao Filise
The King of Tonga. An absolute beast. 300kg deadlift says it all, and he was still topping the charts at 40.
4. Josh Turnbull
Hell of a competition in the back row, but thankfully JT can play at lock. In terms of all-round athletes and professionals, they don’t come much better. One of the fittest and strongest in the team with incredible resilience. He will break the PRO14 record for most appearances.
5. John Tait
His athletic ability was incredible – pace, power but also some brilliant handling skills for a lock. A tough bloke who you certainly want in your corner.
6. Ellis Jenkins
An exceptional engine and all round gifted athlete, but most importantly a mindset that has got him through the toughest of times. It’s great to see him back!
7. Sam Warburton
I remember Warby’s first week training as a young academy player and he did an easy 135kg power clean. I remember thinking that I needed to watch my back here. This kid is special.
8. Dan Baugh
In my first pre-season testing day with Cardiff, I saw him with sun-glasses on his head banging out a 200kg bench press. Yikes, I knew I had some work to do!
