I’d like to offer my heartiest congratulations to a very spirited Canada side for their performance against Wales this afternoon; well done lads, you played some excellent rugby and deserved better.
More than that, I’d like to send some extra special congratulations to a very special man; 37 year old Rod Snow, a favourite for many years in the Black & Amber of Newport at Rodney Parade and a true gentleman.
Rod a young Canadian international was ‘conscripted’ to Newport by Gareth Rees, a fellow Canada star; Gareth was Newport’s Outside Half at the time.
Having played prop myself I know exactly how hard life can be in the front row. Watching Rod put his body on the line week in week out for some fifteen years filled me with admiration.
Having played his rugby in Wales for so long, Rod qualified for a change of nationality; at the time Wales was in need of good front row players and Rod would have strolled into the Welsh team. The move would have resulted in greater prestige and higher wages, but Rod declined; he is a Canadian first and last.
When Rod ‘retired’ from professional rugby two seasons ago, packed his bags and headed back to Canada, I never expected to see him again. Imagine my surprise then, when his name appeared on today’s Canadian team sheet and he ran out onto the pitch for his beloved Canada to face Wales in France this afternoon....I was simply gob-smacked!
Well done Rod; long may you continue old mate! 
Oh yes, all these images are clickable for a larger version. 
