Saturday is a big day for Wales Wheelchair international player Harry Jones, who becomes the first ever Wheelchair international player to have a testimonial match.
Jones, the world record Wheelchair RL cap holder with 43 Wales appearances (all consecutive) has his testimonial day at Glyndwr Sports Centre in Wrexham.
There are two matches. First at 12.30pm, the North Wales Crusaders A side take on South Wales Barbarians (a combination of players from Torfaen Tigers and the new Cardiff Blue Dragons) then at 2.30pm, Crusaders’ first team face Hereford Harriers.
The 25-year old started playing for North Wales Crusaders ten years ago and won his first Welsh cap in 2014. His record for Wales is among the best in all forms of the game. No-one has won more caps for an individual Wales side but no-one has played international Wheelchair RL more times than him anywhere in the world.
His 200 points that he’s scored for Wales (fifth best in Wales Wheelchair RL) constitutes 41 tries (fourth best), 15 goals (sixth best) and 6 drop-goals (a Wales Wheelchair record and alongside Lee Briers, a joint Wales elite international record).
Jones said: “I find it tough to describe how much this means to me without sounding too cliche. For me, playing rugby at an elite level was never the goal, it was never something I wanted to do, yet here I am, the most capped player in WRL history for an individual Wales side and having accomplished so much. Now, I get to add a testimonial to my list – something that athletes across all sports aim for.
“There are so many unbelievable feelings I’ve had throughout my near 15-year career as a match official and player, but this is biggest and dare I say, most unbelievable one. Being awarded one would be an honour in itself, however, to become the first ever Wheelchair Rugby League player to be awarded one is an even greater honour and it’s truly a privilege to say that I’m being awarded something only some of the world’s best players will/ have been awarded. It goes to show that although I may not make much money from playing the sport, I can still be honoured with the best of them.
“My testimonial is raising money for Epilepsy Action, as in recent years I have taken part in the annual 50-mile walk in February and wanted to spread the word of the charity to those around me. I have a number of friends that have utilised the services provided by Epilepsy Action, luckily I’ve never needed to but I know that one day I may have to and knowing that the services are available is enough to get me through.”
Entry to both games is free of charge, each game will also be live-streamed courtesy of the Wrexham University media department, more information and links will be shared prior to the events. Please refrain from clicking any links that do not come from Harry Jones, North Wales Crusaders or Wales Rugby League.