"If Huw Bennett had remained fit he would have made the Lions"

PAUL James has paid his former Ospreys and Wales team-mate Huw Bennett a glowing tribute after the hooker’s enforced retirement as a player, describing him as a “top bloke who could have made the Lions tour”.

Bennett has finally conceded defeat in his lengthy battle to return from the Achilles tendon problem he picked up playing for Wales against Scotland during the 2012 Six Nations.

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   bloodied but unbowed Huw Bennett in action for Wales against South Africa in 2010.

   
   


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   Huw Bennett in action for Wales against South Africa in 2010.

   
   

He finishes at the age of 30, ending a career that saw him collect 51 caps, feature in two Grand Slams, three league-title teams and a side that lifted the EDF Energy Cup. He was also one of the stand-out performers in Wales’s run to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.

Bennett deserved better than to bow out early, but his long-time front-row mate James reckons the popular No. 2 can reflect on an outstanding career.

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“I can’t say enough good things about Huw,” said James.

“He was a great player to have around not just because he was such a good hooker but also because he would do anything to help out his team-mates, on and off the field.

“He’s a top bloke who could have made the Lions tour had he stayed fit.

“At the 2011 World Cup he had an awesome tournament and was as good as any hooker out there.

“Whether he was playing for club or country, he always gave his best, and you were glad he was in your team rather than playing against you.

“He’s one of the best hookers I’ve played alongside.”

Bennett was the author of one of the most crucial tackles in Welsh rugby history when he managed to get his arm underneath the ball and deny Paul Sackey a try in the 2008 England-Wales encounter.

England were well on top at the time and it would have been hard for Wales to fight back had the touchdown been given.

But they recovered to record a 26-19 success which proved the springboard for a Grand Slam.

Bennett said: “I did not manage to bow out on my own terms, but it is something I have had to accept.

“Rugby has given me a lot. I was lucky to play in three World Cups and be part of two Grand Slam campaigns and reach the milestone of 50 caps.

“I spent nine great years with the Ospreys and I would like to thank all the players, fans and coaches who have always supported me.”

Meantime, James has pledged to redouble his efforts after failing to land a call-up with the Lions.

Warren Gatland passed over the Wales loose-head despite injuries to Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins, instead flying in Alex Corbisiero and Ryan Grant, with Tom Court enlisted as cover.

Despite being one of the best scrummagers around, James has been ignored.

“I haven’t heard anything,” said James. “I’m just focusing on doing as well as I can in pre-season with Bath and having as good a campaign as possible.

“If I’m picked by Wales, it will be great. You always want to play for your country.”

"If Huw Bennett had remained fit he would have made the Lions"