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Michael Owen was one of a number of outstanding players from the valleys to come through the ranks at my local club, Pontypridd, around the end of the 90s. People like Gethin Jenkins and Ceri Sweeney, who – like Michael – were all very intelligent players and marked a new generation for the team.

Although I had left for Cardiff by the time that Michael came through, I did get to play with him on my return to the club, which I really enjoyed. I loved taking the field with all those boys and I was lucky to play some great rugby with them then. I, like them, came from the area and I understood the mentality needed, the attraction of the fight that playing for Ponty entailed.

It takes a certain attitude because it wasn’t the sort of club that was really liked; it wasn’t a Swansea or a Cardiff. But all those young boys thrived on that, probably because they were local, and were really successful, winning the Welsh Cup and reaching the final of the 2002 European Challenge Cup.

Michael took all of that experience and went on to be very successful for Wales at a young age and it was a real blow when Michael was lost to the country.

Michael was like a back in a forward’s body, very intelligent and skilful, and a fantastic player who wasn’t really appreciated until he was gone.

He is also a fantastic man and with all the knowledge and experience that he’s got, he will make a brilliant coach too.

Neil Jenkins MBE