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Hal Luscombe's Long Journey

Hal Luscombe's shock call-up to the Wales Six Nations squad justified one of the toughest decisions of the young South African's life.

Courted by Graham Henry for a move to Wales, the switch was scuppered in a media backlash against foreign imports. But Newport benefactor Tony Brown offered the then 18-year-old a position in Wales - working in his factory! Three years on, Luscombe has worked himself through the Gwent rugby ranks to win a place in the Wales squad.

"Graham Henry wanted to bring in five youngsters from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia who could qualify for Wales through residency," Luscombe told BBC Sport Wales.

"The Welsh public and media weren't happy with that and the offer was withdrawn, but Tony Brown stepped in. "Newport had a full quota of foreign players at the time, so I had to work in his office furniture factory, graduate through the youth ranks and earn a club contract.

"I could have stayed in South Africa and played for Western Province, but I wanted to experience the Welsh way of life.

"It's worked out really well, I've been received so warmly by the people of Newport and of Wales generally."

Luscombe already has one Welsh cap to his name, coming on as a very late replacement against Scotland last summer in a World Cup warm-up game. Wales coach Steve Hansen says the youngster's versatility has helped win him a squad place, as he is able to cover centre, wing and full-back. But the player himself is determined not to be sidelined as a bit-part player.

"I'm still only 22, so in some ways it's just good to be a part of the squad," said Luscombe.

"It's going to be difficult to break into this Wales back line, but ultimately I have to force myself forward.

"To play for Wales again would be such a privilege."

	Hal Luscombe's Long Journey Hal Luscombe's shock call-up to the Wales Six Nations squad justified one of the toughest decisions of the young South African's life. Courted by Graham Henry for a move to Wales, the switch was scuppered in a media backlash against foreign imports. But Newport benefactor Tony Brown offered the then 18-year-old a position in Wales - working in his factory! Three years on, Luscombe has worked himself through the Gwent rugby ranks to win a place in the Wales squad. "Graham Henry wanted to bring in five youngsters from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia who could qualify for Wales through residency," Luscombe told BBC Sport Wales. "The Welsh public and media weren't happy with that and the offer was withdrawn, but Tony Brown stepped in. "Newport had a full quota of foreign players at the time, so I had to work in his office furniture factory, graduate through the youth ranks and earn a club contract. "I could have stayed in South Africa and played for Western Province, but I wanted to experience the Welsh way of life. "It's worked out really well, I've been received so warmly by the people of Newport and of Wales generally." Luscombe already has one Welsh cap to his name, coming on as a very late replacement against Scotland last summer in a World Cup warm-up game. Wales coach Steve Hansen says the youngster's versatility has helped win him a squad place, as he is able to cover centre, wing and full-back. But the player himself is determined not to be sidelined as a bit-part player. "I'm still only 22, so in some ways it's just good to be a part of the squad," said Luscombe. "It's going to be difficult to break into this Wales back line, but ultimately I have to force myself forward. "To play for Wales again would be such a privilege."
Worcester have signed Wales international Hal Luscombe on a two-year contract from their Guinness Premiership rivals Harlequins. Luscombe, capped 16 times, made his Test debut against Scotland in a 2003 World Cup warm-up match. A centre or wing, the 27-year-old will be reunited with current Warriors boss Mike Ruddock, who masterminded Wales' 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam success. Ruddock said: ''Hal will add immense value to the team through his international qualities and ability to play at both outside centre and wing. ''I have worked previously with Hal at the Newport Gwent Dragons, and he was also a member of the 2005 Grand Slam-winning Wales squad, featuring in a number of big games for us.'' When Hal joined harlequins Dean Richards said, "Hal is a very strong runner with the ability to break through the first line of the defence, which is a crucial commodity to have in the modern game, his arrival, along with Stuart Abbott and combined with the players we already have within the squad, will give us plenty of experience and strengthen the competition for places across the back division next season." It will be interesting to see how Abbott and Luscombe play together, they were at the same school in South Africa with Abbott being the senior by two years. "He was two years above me, although we didn't play rugby together but we know each other."
Worcester Warriors have confirmed the signing of former Wales wing Hal Luscombe, as exclusively revealed by The Birmingham Post on Monday. The 27-year-old threequarter, who has made 16 appearances for his country, has moved from Harlequins on a two-year deal and will once again team up with Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths. South African-born Luscombe was part of the Wales team, coached by the Sixways duo, that in 2005 won the country’s first Grand Slam for 27 years. He played for Newport Gwent Dragons until 2006 when he opted to try his hand in the Guinness Premiership with Quins. Since then he has been a regular, rather than outstanding, performer for Dean Richards’s men. Luscombe becomes Ruddock’s second major signing for next season with Australia legend Chris Latham already committed to moving to Sixways.
	Like Latham Luscombe claims he is attracted to Worcester not just by the chance to team up with Ruddock and Griffiths again but by the style of play his compatriots have encouraged – a style that is starting to bear fruit. “There is massive ambition at Worcester and it will be really exciting to be a part of that,” Luscombe said. “I’m looking ahead to the challenge and being a big player at the club. They have a great mix of youth and experience and in the last few weeks have got the results against top four sides that show the true potential at Warriors. “They want to play open and attacking rugby and I believe my game will flourish in that surrounding. The move will also put me closer to my family in Wales and my daughter who has just started school. “That was a key part of my decision making too, I know I am joining a family orientated club where we will be welcomed.” Ruddock believes Luscombe will bring depth to the squad particularly at outside centre where they have lacked options. “He will add immense value to the team through his international qualities and ability to play at both outside centre and wing,” Ruddock said. “He is big and strong with great awareness in attack and defence. “It has become obvious this season that we have struggled to cover the 13 spot, particularly during a spell when Dale Rasmussen had an ongoing foot injury. “Dale had to miss training during the week then go out on Saturday to play. For that reason alone we needed to invest in extra cover, however, given the quality of Hal and the quality of Dale we now have a very competitive situation at 13 which should only enhance the team going forward. “Hal is an excellent professional, both on and off the field, and being South Africa born shares many of the values that you find with Thinus Delport and which I am sure will make him popular with Warriors fans.”