Steve
joined us from Gwent Dragons in 2006 and made his debut in the friendly played
at Penzance against Ebbw Vale, but it was not the first time that he had played
on the Mennaye Field, having played there twice before against the Pirates in
pre-season encounters with the Dragons.
An
experienced midfield performer, who has played for Wales 'A', Steve has safe hands
and is deceptively quick, and although not the biggest is still very solid in
the tackle area.
Educated
at Maesteg Comprehensive School, an establishment that has produced international
players the calibre of Gwyn Evans and Alan Bateman, Steve played for Bridgend
and then Maesteg Celtic Youth before rejoining Bridgend.
On
leaving school at 17 he worked on and off as a builder for a year, and then in
1996 signed his first senior and professional contract, one which kept him at
Bridgend until 2000, playing alongside Wales and British Lions captain Gareth
Thomas.
From 2000-2003
Steve played for Swansea, with another famous 'Lion', Scott Gibbs, a midfield
partner.
In 2003 rugby
in Wales went controversially regional, 'Winny' joining one of the five provincial
regions, the Gwent Dragons, who he played for until his switch to the Cornish
Pirates.
During his
career he amassed various honours, and played with and against many of the best.
Interestingly, a look back in time also reveals that during his time at Bridgend
he played against Tonga - with one Viliami Ma'asi in opposition. Also, when playing
for Wales U21s against New Zealand U21s, a certain Tim Cowley hounded him about
the field. Another present team colleague, lock Joe Beardshaw, played against
Steve for England U21s against Wales U21s, and the pair also faced each other
in a Swansea versus Wasps European Cup match.
Having
been involved playing rugby since the introduction of professionalism, Steve is
enjoying his involvement as much now as when he started, and long may it continue!
