Welsh hooker Matthew Rees admits that he is keen on taking on the role of captain on a more regular basis following the taster he enjoyed in the aftermath of Ryan Jones’ injury for the autumn internationals against Australia and South Africa. Whilst he admits that being crowned captain in that fashion is far from ideal, he also made it clear that with a total of 39 caps, he is experienced enough to adequately perform the role, and happy to fill in for as long as he is required.
Now that he knows Wales’ opening fixture will be against Wales’ most bitter of enemies, England, the desire to lead his team out at the Millennium Stadium is all-encompassing, even if the rugby union betting suggests it will be a tough battle.
"I would like to be captain and hopefully, Gats (Warren Gatland) is more than happy with me. As a captain you have got to look to lead from the front – whoever it is has to give 100 per cent and it would be great, playing at home and running out in front of a fantastic crowd against England at the Millennium Stadium. It's a great opening match for us to have in the Six Nations - we couldn't ask for a better fixture to start it."
The front-row forward has long impressed fans and pundits alike – and was rightly rewarded for his performances with three caps for the British Lions back in 2009 – but now he wants to cement his place in Welsh folklore by joining the greats before him who have captained a side which have slain the English and gone on to win a Grand Slam and those who bet on rugby may fancy them to do it.
But Rees knows that first and foremost he must concentrate on maintaining his form for regional side, Scarlets, as he knows the Welsh selectors will be letting no one in on merit or reputation.
However, he was a key part of the scrum which obliterated Australia’s in November, and if he can maintain that sort of form, there is no doubt that he will be taking to the field against England on 4th February – but will it be with the captain’s armband on? Only time will tell.
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