Top NFL lineman signs for Neath
Neath Rugby has finally tracked down the elusive Tony Gilmore from the USA. Following a few "weekend breaks" scouting in Louisiana, the Neath Coaching Staff managed to sign Tony on their fourth visit to The States. It is hoped that an exchange arrangement can be made during the summer break for most of the Neath squad to attend specialist training at the New Orleans Saints Academy. The return leg being in March 2005 when some of the New Orleans Saints visit the slopes of "The Gnoll."

Quote from Head Coach, Rowland Phillips
"We are delighted to announce the signing of Tony "the gooch" Gilmore" the 6' 4" Second Row forward from Louisiana. The coaching staff at Neath Rugby (in addition to the odd "Away Day") are always looking to strengthen the playing squad in all areas. BBC's "Scrum V" analyst, Jonathan Davies, has been quoted on many occasions to say "there is no substitute for pace." At Neath we feel that there "is no substitute for bulk." We feel that Tony can provide the much-needed "bulk," at Second Row. We are very impressed with his versatility and his statistics are impressive: "40 yards in 4.27 secs" "bench press 320 pounds"

Quote from Tony "the gooch" Gilmore " I played college football for LSU (Louisiana State University) and played as a linebacker. I was a 4th round draft pick for Washington Redskins but had to retire after 2 seasons due to a knee injury. I've since had reconstructive surgery and started playing rugby in Louisiana with some old college buddies. I went to Bermuda to play for the USA Eagles in the Bermuda classics tournament were I met Paul Jones and Rowland Phillips (great guys). Paul gave me a Neath shirt and said if you ever want to play in Wales get in touch. So after a few years I thought, hey why not. So I contacted Paul via the website www.neathrfc.co.uk and hey - I'm coming over to play the 2004/5 season as a second row. Really looking forward to some cool weather after hot Louissianna and I hear them Welsh girls are pretty, See Y'all (an American phrase). Tony "the gooch" Gilmore

Player Profile:
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Name: Anthony Gilmore
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 280 pounds
Achievements: bench press 320 pounds
Run the 40 yards in 4.27 secs
Big Macs - 2 in 10 seconds
Age: 27 years old
Marital Status: Single.