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Phil Bennett: The Autobiography. Phil Bennett
Читать онлайн.Название Phil Bennett: The Autobiography
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9780008161217
Автор произведения Phil Bennett
Жанр Биографии и Мемуары
Издательство HarperCollins
If ever a man was well named it was Bill. Even getting legitimate expenses out the Union’s coffers could still leave you out of pocket. Early on in my international career, I had yet to come to a generous arrangement with my bosses about time off from the steelworks and spending a weekend in Dublin to play for my country was leaving me around £40 out of pocket. Delme Thomas, Norman Gale and I travelled from Llanelli up to Cardiff Airport together in one car in order to fly out for the game. But since the mileage rate entitled us to about £3.50 each we all decided to put in individual claims. Almost as soon as we had checked into our hotel in Dublin, we were summoned to see Bill for the Spanish inquisition. ‘I know you all shared the same car, so why are there three claims? Either you rip up this claim, or else this will be the last Wales match any of you are involved in.’ I was young and prepared to let them put the cuffs on me there and then, but Norman had been around a bit. ‘Listen, here,’ said Norman. He then listed how in debt he was to friends, family, work colleagues, the bank manager and a few others who had helped in different ways to allow him to play for Wales. Grudgingly, Bill backed down.
The best Bill Clement story, though, was told to me by my old mate Bobby Windsor. He insists it’s true. Having given sterling service for Wales and the Lions all over the world in the furnace of the front row, Bobby decided that the WRU should at least help him with the hire fees for the dinner suit he was obliged to wear at official dinners. So he went to see Bill Clement. Bobby explained how times were hard in the steel industry in Gwent, and, like many others, he had been put on short time. His wife and family were feeling the pinch and every bit of extra cash could help. ‘So, if maybe the Union could help me out by hiring the dinner suits then that would be appreciated,’ said Bob.
‘I’m sorry,’ said Bill. ‘That’s against the rules.’
‘Well what about my shoes?’ said Bobby, getting a bit desperate. ‘Surely, you could help me out and allow me to buy a decent pair of shoes to look smart in? These ones are falling apart.’ At this point, according to Bobby, to emphasise the point he took off his shoe and showed Clement across the desk how the sole was flapping at the toes. Bill thought about it for a few seconds and then quietly opened a drawer on his desk marked ‘Ticket Money’. He took out a huge bundle of notes and untied them from their tightly wound rubber band. As Bobby was waiting for him to count out the cash, Clement chucked the rubber band over to Bobby and said, ‘Here, that should sort out the problem with your shoes.’
I never had to wear rubber bands to hold my shoes together, but neither was I was ever paid to play rugby. I had 16 years of first-class rugby – 10 of those were spent at the very top level. But until I decided to write a book near the end of my playing days in 1981 it was all done without reward. I’m not bitter and I don’t begrudge current players the money they earn nowadays. In fact, professionalism should have been accepted years before it was and good luck to those who can make a career out of rugby union. I loved the opportunities rugby gave me and I would hardly change a thing. The sport had its own freemasonry. It gave me respect, and meant I travelled the world for nothing. Thousands of boys who grew up near me never saw anything of the world, but rugby gave me a passport to explore. I met the emperor of Japan and the king of Fiji. I saw wonderful countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. And, as an amateur, I had the freedom to take a week off from the game on the very rare occasions when I felt tired.
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