Gethin Jenkins admits the prospect of playing for Wales is keeping him going after signing a new contract at Cardiff Blues, despite his 36th birthday being just around the corner.
Jenkins is one of the greatest props in Wales and RBS 6 Nations history, with 126 caps for his country and 56 appearances in ‘Rugby’s Greatest Championship’ during his 16-year professional career.
Cardiff Blues have just tied the experienced prop down to a new deal until 2018 and he still harbours ambitions, both domestically and internationally, ahead of his 36th birthday in November.
Jenkins told Wales Online: “It’s tougher now than it ever has been. It’s more physical and the training is harder. I have to be looked after in certain aspects of the training week.
“But I would say we have a stronger squad this year [at Cardiff Blues] and Rhys Gill is playing well in the same position as me.
“I still have the hunger to play at a level above the Blues as well and that’s what keeps me going.”
He continued: “We have Taufa’ao Filise who is inspiring me at the Blues as he approaches 40.
“I played with Simon Shaw who was playing in his late 30s at Toulon and the hunger he showed at the end of his career was amazing to see.
“I still have ambition in the game and don’t fancy finishing just yet.”
