Next week in Marseilles, Martyn Williams will fill in just about the only remaining blank on his glittering CV when he lines up for the Blues against Toulon in the final of the European Challenge Cup. The Western Mail reports.
"It was October 1996 when Martyn Williams made his European debut as Pontypridd’s openside flanker in a Heineken Cup victory over Treviso at Sardis Road. Now, 14 years and 77 matches later, the double Grand Slam winner can finally look forward to stepping out in a continental final when the Blues meet Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup final on May 23.
"Along the way it’s been something of a rollercoaster for the man nicknamed ‘Nugget’. There was the infamous Battle of Brive in 1997 and five Heineken quarter-final appearances – with Ponty (1999), Cardiff (2000 & 2001) and the Blues (2008 & 2009). And, of course, there’s been one hugely painful Heineken semi – last year’s outing against Leicester when he was the unfortunate soul to miss the decisive kick in the penalty shoot-out.
"But there has been no Euro final – until now."
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