Seeing the contribution in today’s match by players from beyond these shores: Perenise, Koster, Houston, Fa’osiliva got me thinking . Over the past 15 years many “overseas” players have graced our team: all adding their special something to an increasingly diverse heritage. Some were here for a mere blink of an eye as injury cover, others played a major role in successes (Frederico Mendez & Dan Lyle of the 1998 Heineken Cup triumph come to mind). Yet more became crowd favourites for their character and demeanour (Ignacio Fernandes- Lobbe, David Bory) or for specific incidents. Among the latter I recall Justin Harrison’s “Bambi & back to the fray” moment, Joe Maddock’s St George’s Day hat trick, Butch James’s last gasp winning try against Leicester. And- who can forget, Premiership survival thanks to Elvis Seviali’i? If memory serves me well, players from 12 different nations have turned out in BBW over the last 15 years, developing a tradition that goes back to German international Peter Heindorff in the 1960s.
If I am correct, we have played nationals of 12 countries in the professional era. These are: France, Italy, Romania, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, United States & Zimbabwe. Perhaps my memory lets me down, but I cannot recall any from Canada, Poland, Russia, Spain or Portugal- where I know other Premiership clubs have sourced talent.
So: I am sure other posters have their favourites – both moments and players. I would like to suggest that we select a team of players from the last 15 years who played for Bath, but would not be eligible for British Lions selection (oops: should be British & Irish Lions: buck up, PG!). I will give you my selected team below:
1. Filise (Tonga) 2. Mendez (Argentina) 3. Perenise (Samoa) 4. Fernandez-Lobbe (Argentina) 5. Harrison (Australia) 6. Watson (S Africa) 7. Louw (S Africa) 8. Lyle (USA) 9. Claassens (S Africa) 10. James (S Africa) 11. Seviali’I (Samoa) 12. Fleck (S Africa) 13. Berne Australia 14. Maddock ( N Zealand) 15. Tsimba (Zimbabwe) Bench: Galasso, Dixon, Ion, H Louw, Salvi, Preston, Fuimaono Sapolu, Bory Harsh on Jonny Fa'amatuainu, Isaac Feau'nati, Warwick Waugh & Julian Gardner? What about Isaac Feau'nati, Hentie Martens, Nicky Little or Frikkie Welsh? What about our current group of Argentine internationals?
Perhaps you would like to contribute your XV & subs? Mine has used players from 8 countries: I ask that you chose from no fewer than 6 to make for an interesting mix.
Bath's foreign legion
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 18/08/2013 09:37
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Impressive list PG, not many left to remember, I know this is nitpicking even by this forum's standard but is the Gardner you refer to the same as Angus Gardiner (Exc Crusaders)?
You havent left many out PG! Despite your guidence on a minimum of six it got me thinking to how few nations I could use, the answer is 4 courtesy of the boks. Even using our Kiwi friends still get to four nations as unstuck at Hooker
Most random must be Tim Brasher (Aussie Rugby League International) who had retired was in Europe for a skiing holiday. I think he was offered a contract in League and in between was World Cup cover for us.
He looked knackered (both from inuries and lack of fitness) most of the time but wouldn't give an inch and tackled like a maniac.
Tim Brasher... Great shout. I remember watching him when we played away at Wasps. He did well. As you say, tackled hard. I don't think he let us down at all during his few appearences.
David Bory and Joe Maddock were the outstanding wingers when I was ballboying then for Bath. They could create something out of nothing. Frikkie Welsh was close to that to.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net
