Howley cheering for Wasps

May 19 2007 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

IT was the dramatic last-gasp moment which saw Rob Howley add another chapter to a glittering career.

With the clock ticking down and the 2004 Heineken Cup final clash between Wasps and Toulouse poised to go to extra-time with the scores tied at 20-20, the former Wales star struck.

A dithering Clement Poitrenaud hesitated and the on-rushing Howley (pictured below) collected his own kick ahead to dive for the ball and gain downward pressure

Video replays confirmed the try – and left Wales' most capped scrum-half celebrating in the Twickenham sunshine.

So tomorrow, as former side Wasps take on treble-chasing Leicester Tigers in the 12th Heineken Cup final at England’s HQ, Howley will know precisely the nerve-wracking feelings that will be affecting both sides.

“It’s always an incredible day and showpiece occasion of the season for club rugby,” he said.

“That game three years ago will always live long in the memory and I recall, about 10 beers into our post-match celebration, remembering the circumstances of my late try and asking ‘why did that happen to me?’

“It was an incredible sequence of events. I’ve never seen the ball bounce so straight after my kick down the channel and I didn’t even look at the ball and just put my hands there.

“It is so rare to score a try and actually know that there is not enough time for the other side to come back.”

He continued, “At club and Heineken Cup level, that game and try certainly ranks among my best moments.

“But, although my try won the game, the work ethic throughout the game was critical the point in us winning.”

Howley knows more than most the magic of the top European Cup competition because he is one of those rare specimens – a Welshman with a Heineken Cup winners’ medal.

The Cardiff Blues backs coach joined the exclusive club of only eight Welsh members when his late, match-winning touchdown ensured London Wasps were crowned kings of Europe.

So, without question, Howley will be donning his black and amber scarf in the first all-English European Cup final as his former side aim to stop the Leicester juggernaut.

“I will be in the Wasps camp and hopefully they can stop Leicester,” he said.

“Leicester, though, have to go in as big favourites and with the treble on they certainly won’t want to let it slip.

“The momentum is with the Tigers and the fact that Wasps haven’t played for three makes it even harder for them.

“They will need that same work ethic we had and come firing out of the blocks and get into the faces of the Leicester players from the off.

“And, when it comes to the Heineken Cup, it’s sometimes a case of who turns up on the day so hopefully they can stop them.”

Whoever is victorious in West London, the former Wales captain is just relieved to discover the future of the Heineken Cup has been secured for the next seven years.

With the French and English pulling out of their proposed boycott, Howley is just looking forward to watching many years of the premier club competition in full flow.

“I’m obviously delighted it has been saved as it makes for a stage on which all players want to be judged,” he added.

“The French clubs bring something very special to the competition and their absence would be a huge let-down for all concerned.

“Winning the Heineken Cup is a box every professional rugby player wants to tick.

“The reason for that is simple, all the best players and teams in the northern hemisphere are involved.”

Welsh winners of the Heineken Cup

Tony Rees
The first Welshman to get his hands on the trophy when second-row Rees helped Brive thrash Leicester 28-9 at Cardiff Arms Park in 1997.

Ieuan Evans
Wing great Evans was the highest-profile Wales star to leave Welsh rugby for a top club in England and played his part in a 19-18 triumph over Brive at Bordeaux's Stade Lescure in 1998.

Richard Webster
Former Wales and British Lions flanker Webster got to grips with a Brive's strongman Olivier Magne and won the duel during a bruising battle.

Nathan Thomas
Just 22 when he lifted the Heineken Cup with Bath, the big back-row forward has struggled to live up his billing and currently plays for the Scarlets.

Allan Bateman
The dual-code star helped Northampton conquer Europe with a 9-8 victory over Munster at Twickenham in 2000.

Andy Newman
Another Welshman who tasted Heineken glory at a young age when he accompanied Bateman in the victorious Northampton side seven years ago.

Rob Howley
Who can forget Howley's last-gasp try which stunned Toulouse with extra-time looming to secure a 27-20 victory?

Gareth Thomas
Alfie helped his new Toulouse side erase the memory of their Wasps defeat by securing an 18-12 extra time win over Stade Francais at Murrayfield in 2005.