Wales 2005 Grand Slam: Where Are the Rugby Legends Now?

A look back at Wales' iconic 2005 Grand Slam-winning rugby team and updates on where the players are now, 20 years later.

The Legendary 2005 Grand Slam Team

They were the team that captured the imagination of a nation, playing with a fearless style of rugby that transcended mere scorelines. Under Mike Ruddock's leadership, Wales ended a 27-year wait for a Grand Slam, defeating England, Italy, France, Scotland and Ireland in spectacular fashion.

Where Are They Now?

15 - Kevin Morgan
The try-scoring fullback who sparked nationwide celebrations with his dramatic score against Ireland. After retiring from playing, Morgan transitioned into sports science, working with Ospreys, Georgia, and currently serves as Bristol's first-team athletic performance coach.

14 - Mark Taylor
The surprise Grand Slam day selection has traded rugby for accounting, now working at his family's car dealership in Llanelli after stints in rugby administration.

13 - Tom Shanklin
The injury-plagued center with 70 caps now works as a commercial director while remaining a popular rugby pundit and podcaster.

12 - Gavin Henson
The golden boy of Welsh rugby now runs a pub in his hometown St Brides Major, occasionally appearing in amateur sports matches.

11 - Shane Williams
Wales' record try-scorer (58 tries) retired in 2011 and now balances media work with running a fuel company in west Wales.

10 - Stephen Jones
Wales' former record cap-holder moved into coaching after retirement and is currently serving as attack coach for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby.

9 - Dwayne Peel
The 2005, 2008 Grand Slam winner is now head coach at Scarlets after coaching positions with Ulster and Cardiff.

The Forwards

1 - Gethin Jenkins
The prop who scored a crucial try in 2005 became Wales' record cap holder (129) and now serves as Cardiff's defense coach.

3 - Adam Jones
One half of the famous Hair Bears pairing now works as a specialist scrum coach, recently rejoining the Wales setup.

6 - Ryan Jones
The three-time Grand Slam winner has transitioned to leadership consultancy after serving as WRU performance director.

7 - Martyn Williams
The 2005 tournament MVP (nicknamed Nugget) served as Wales team manager before stepping back from rugby administration.

The Coaching Staff

Mike Ruddock
The Grand Slam-winning coach left abruptly in 2006 but has since held various roles including Ireland U20s coach and is currently a non-executive director at Ospreys.

Legacy of the 2005 Team

This generation formed the core of Welsh rugby's revival, with several players contributing to subsequent Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012. Their attacking style and charismatic personalities made them fan favorites who remain iconic figures in Welsh sports history.

What to Read Next

Wales Readies Strong Pack for Crucial 6N Clash with Italy
Rugby

Wales Readies Strong Pack for Crucial 6N Clash with Italy

Wales makes changes to pack for the final Six Nations match against Italy.

Wales' Rugby Hope in Coach Lynn: A Path to Success
Rugby

Wales' Rugby Hope in Coach Lynn: A Path to Success

Wales' players back coach Lynn despite poor start. Hopes for improvement ahead of World Cup.

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup
Rugby

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup

Sean Everitt on the challenges of facing Finn Russell in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss
Rugby

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss

Exeter suspends coaches Hunter and Hepher after a disastrous Premiership loss.

Georgia Evans Aims for Ireland Payback in Wales' Rugby Showdown
Rugby

Georgia Evans Aims for Ireland Payback in Wales' Rugby Showdown

Georgia Evans is ready to lead Wales for a payback against Ireland in the Six Nations.

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery
Rugby

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery

Wales' Six Nations campaign was eventful with losses. Coach Lynn aims to turn things around for World Cup.

Scotland's Challenge Against Dominant England in Women's Six Nations
Rugby

Scotland's Challenge Against Dominant England in Women's Six Nations

Scotland makes changes for the big game against England in the Women's Six Nations.

Italy vs Wales Women's Six Nations Showdown: A Battle for Supremacy
Rugby

Italy vs Wales Women's Six Nations Showdown: A Battle for Supremacy

The final Women's Six Nations outing between Italy and Wales holds high stakes.

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract
Rugby

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract

South Africa's Danelle Lochner signs a new deal with Harlequins.

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw
Rugby

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw

Gloucester signs Newcastle's Ben Redshaw for 2025-26 season.

The Unresolved Welsh Rugby Union Deal: A Challenging Standstill
Rugby

The Unresolved Welsh Rugby Union Deal: A Challenging Standstill

The WRU's deal with three professional sides remains undecided as the deadline passes.

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash
Rugby

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash

Cardiff, strengthened by Adams and Faletau, gears up for a challenging match against Connacht.

Claudia MacDonald's Unimaginable Rugby Comeback
Rugby

Claudia MacDonald's Unimaginable Rugby Comeback

Claudia MacDonald's return to rugby after neck injury is remarkable.

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit
Rugby

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit

Ireland's Cliodhna Moloney on facing England and fiancee Claudia MacDonald in Rugby.

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore
Rugby

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore

England Rugby secures an improved kit deal with Castore. Find out more!

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.