Jenkins to captain Wales

Cardiff prop Gethin Jenkins will captain Wales against world champions South Africa in this month’s Invesco Perpetual Prince William Cup match at the Millennium Stadium.

Jenkins, who became Wales’ most capped prop at the Rugby World Cup when he took his tally to 52 caps, will be the 125th man to captain his country.

He takes over armband from Blues team-mate Gareth Thomas, against the Springboks on November 24.

Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies, still in charge until Warren Gatland takes over in time for the South Africa match, is in no doubt Jenkins is the right man for the job.

“Anyone who knows or has worked with Gethin will tell you he sets high standards for himself and those around him,” Davies told the Welsh Rugby Union website, www.wru.co.uk.

“We all talk about looking after the ’one per cents’ as the way to get ahead in elite sport – and Gethin typifies the professional sportsman who lets nothing go by him.

“He’s a 26-year-old with 50 caps, two World Cups and a British Lions tour under his belt – which shows his dedication in itself – and you only have to look at his ability to contribute to both sides of the front row to know you have something special as a player.

“For our meeting with South Africa, we need a captain who will galvanise the squad – someone who every player will be proud to stand in line behind and someone who strives for perfection in himself and those around him. Gethin fits the bill.”

Jenkins, 27 a week before his first match as captain, will become only the 11th front-row forward to lead Wales since World War II – and only the fourth prop in that time in succession to Duncan Jones, his regional coach Dai Young and John Lloyd.

He said: “When Nigel asked me to be his captain against South Africa I have to admit it came as a bit of a surprise – and I did take some time to think about it – but there was only ever going to be one answer.

“It’s obviously a huge honour, probably the biggest in Welsh sport. But I wanted to be sure I could do justice to the responsibility.

“My goal as a player is to do everything to the highest of standards and this is no different.

“I had a chat with may dad, a few of the players who are close to me and with Dai Young, who has very much been there and done that – and in the end there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity.

“I just try to be the best team player I can be. It’s a huge honour, and just to think of the players that have gone before me is pretty awe-inspiring in itself.”