SUPPORTING The Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure 2007 - 2008
www.bencohentestimonial.co.uk All sporting images kindly provided by www.gettyimages.com
WELCOME
F R I E N D S & FA M I LY
patrons letter by Rt. Hon.The Earl Spencer air amBulance charity A Helping Hand orchid fighting male cancer charity Extra Support chairmans welcome by David Foster george cohen mBe A Credit To Our Family
07 08 09 11 13
aBBy cohen lana cohen Justin cohen Bill conisBee hugh nichols stephen Jones photo alBum
SAINTS ACCOLADES keith Barwell paul grayson mBe wayne smith lenny newman tim rodBer harvey thorneycroft matt dawson mBe ian mcgeechan oBe, ma tom smith phil pask steve thompson mBe
15 17 18-19 21 23 25 26-27 29 31 32-33 35
63 65 67 69 71 73 74-75
testimonial merchandise autograph opportunity events calendar career statistics
77 89 95 97
“
E N IS A TR U N SE BEN COHE SE Y R E V IN E C H A M P IO N D R O F TH E WO
”
dward sir clive woo
oBe
I N T E R N AT I O N A L A C C O L A D E S Jonny wilkinson oBe richard hill mBe keiron Bracken mBe will greenwood mBe lewis moody mBe mike catt mBe doug howlett Jason leonard oBe martin corry mBe sir clive woodward oBe martin Johnson cBe austin healey neil Back mBe
36-37 39 41 42-43 45 47 49 51 53 54-55 57 59 61
rd 2003 November 23 tory
“
p Final Vic World Cu
I LOVE HAVI NG HI M TO PA SS TO AN D WAT CH IN G HI M FI NI SH TR IE S LI KE NO ON E I’V E EV ER PL AY ED W IT H
”
Jonny wilkinson oBe
9th November 20 02
England 31 v New Zealand 28
“
TH E JE W EL IN ’S ON N O RT H AM PT C ROW N
”
wayne smith
Printed by Avalon Print
01604 590095
th r 2003 24 Novembe , Australia
s - Manly Northamptonian
Designed & Produced by
Patron: The Rt. Hon. The Earl Spencer Chairman: David Foster Secretary: Ros Hargreaves Treasurer: Ian Wake Committee: Maggie Barwell, Austen Blayney, Rob Blayney, Jane Robertson, Paul Robertson, David Williams, Mark Heath & Darren Briers
Ben Cohen Testimonial Year 2007 - 2008 Supporting Orchid - Fighting Male Cancer. Charity Registration No.1080540 & The Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Charity Registration No.1098874
www.blayneypartnership.com
01604 671714
I N T E R N AT I O N A L AC C O L A D E S
one of the very I have spent a lot of my best times side by side with
best
Ben and I shared many good experiences but I’m
Ben Cohen. He is always one of the first to come and
going to talk about a strange one. After playing
chat to you and ask how you are when you arrive at
Argentina in 2001, the England team found themselves
England camps or when you play against Northampton.
on strike. That day, Ben joined me at my family home,
Always one of the very best at poking fun at himself and
which was near to the hotel that we had just been told
making you laugh when you need it most, but more
to leave. We tried to relax but it was a terrible situation.
importantly always the guy you want next to you when
The next morning we were heading for a team meeting
you are about to take the field. Most of the time in
at a new venue to discuss where we stood in
painfully pressure-filled situations when tries need
negotiations.
scoring. I took a call that morning from Matt Dawson to say that an agreement had been reached and it was safe to go back. Coincidently, BC and I were just passing the team hotel at that point so we turned round and drove right in. It didn’t dawn on me until we reached the reception car park that we were the first players back to the hotel by some margin, and that the press probably hadn’t yet been made aware of the new developments. The official RFU line, up until that morning, was that anyone who wished to play for England again should be present at the hotel ready for training at 10.30 am that morning.
10.25am Ben and I were about to get out of the car and face the media, looking like the two guys who had stabbed Buckingham Palac e
26th Oct 2004
their team mates firmly in the back. I told Ben to sit tight, that I’d get his bag
out of the boot for him, then I promptly bolted for the physio room leaving him and his bag to be quoted under
“
I love havIng hIm to pass to and watchIng hIm fInIsh trIes lIke no one I’ve ever played wIth
”
the Teletext Headline “Cohen arrives back for training” which ran all morning. What a scab! He never officially got me back, but I always wondered why he left me hanging out to the right for the matchdeciding conversion instead of scoring under the posts in the last minute of our 2002 autumn international against Australia. A frequent room-mate of mine even, when he is constantly bickering with Steve Thompson or having a go at my cross kicks during training, I love his sense of humour and his take on life. But most of all I love having him to pass to, and watching him finish tries like no one I’ve ever played with. Think Australia, summer 2003 and you’ll get an idea of what I’m talking about. An incredible career to date and everybody who understands top flight rugby knows that he has still so much more to show us. I can’t wait to see it! Thank you for supporting me Ben and for making me look way better than I am. Good luck to you and your family mate. Have a fabulous year, you all deserve it. Your friend and team mate
Jonny wIlkInson obe
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
37
SAINTS ACCOLADES
always one
stepahead
What can I say? Since the day we teamed up for Old Scouts at under 16’s he's always been one step ahead of me at every level - Northampton, England and the Lions. Always that one season before me! There's one place however where I've always set the pace - in the bar! Let’s just say there is a reason that Ben's nickname 'Jew Boy' has stuck! Whenever it’s Ben's time to buy a round a barrage of excuses or a disappearing act usually follows. He is definitely a family man, preferring a cosy night in with his pipe, slippers and Abby, than a night of cutting some shapes on the dance floor.
“
If I had to think of the most embarrassing thing Mr. March 2005 Ben has ever done in his career, surprisingly it would neither be on the pitch nor in the bar.....the phrase "pull a pig night" definitely took on a whole new meaning when I saw Ben straddling a pig in one of the images from his new calendar! Ben's always been a great mate to me through the ups and downs of the years, the celebrations when we reached twenty one, our first caps for the Saints then England and the Lions tour, the sad loss of his father: we’ve been there for each other.
the phrase ‘pull a pig night’ definitely took on a whole new meaning I saw Ben’s dad, Pete, as a father figure and Ben has the same aura about him. Pete would have been so very proud of Ben.
”
As my room mate Ben has had to put up with a lot. My favourite story about Ben was during the pre-World Cup training when after two weeks of my solid snoring Ben had finally had enough. Needless to say, I found myself on a mattress in the bathroom for the rest of our stay! Have a great time during your Testimonial Ben.
steve thompson mBe
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
35
I N T E R N AT I O N A L AC C O L A D E S
as productive as any i know For 40 odd games,
But I digress. I used to stand flat on the gain line
Triple Crowns, Grand
knowing my buddy was coming to cause mayhem in
Slams, Southern
opposition defensive lines.
Hemisphere junkets, and of course World
‘Shaggy’
Will Greenwood
His try against Australia in the summer of 2003 was
Cup finals, Benny
his best. Lacerating the defensive line, leaving Latham
Cohen was my go-to
grasping at thin air, and then accelerating away from
man. He was built to
Roff as though the Australian was running in sand. That
be a decathlete, an
is why I love rugby so much because it has given me the
American footballer, a supreme physical specimen. He
honour and the privilege of playing alongside such
was there as a fall back in many a difficult situation.
quality.
“
He was like tHe Heavy artillery raining down on tHe advanced enemy position
When we needed some go forward, when we needed
”
At the time of writing Benny and I are stuck on 31
some power, when we needed to close out wins, or
tries each for our country, a source of great competition
generate some momentum I never looked anywhere else.
down the years. I hope he gets the opportunity to go on
We made an unlikely couple - not in a homoerotic sense,
and add to this tally. I feel honoured and privileged to
although I have to say he is a good looking man. It was
have contributed to some of those amazing scores and
more the contrast in our styles, physiques, speed; the list
know my tally would be nowhere near as high without
goes on. My goodness I loved what he brought to my
the try-hunting defence-busting ally that I found in Mr
game. Great teams achieve their potential by creating
Cohen. Benny, I hope you and your family have an
mini partnerships across the board and my partnership
amazing year and I thank you for looking after a
with Benny was as tight and as productive as any I know.
skinny, slow centre for all those games.
I used to stand flat on the gain line, there were some giants waiting to pulverise me, and I would hear his call
will greenwood mBe
from 30 yards away, the cavalry riding to the rescue. He was like the heavy artillery raining down on the advanced enemy position, a steam train at full throttle. It was only later when I discovered that part of his intense volume derived from what he called his partial deafness. Although, I am convinced it is selective deafness, most often being used as an excuse at sponsor's functions, autograph sessions, or times of financial testing.
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
43
I N T E R N AT I O N A L AC C O L A D E S
“
Ben Cohen is a true Champion in every sense of the word
”
if you're good enough you're old enough! One of the expressions I have lived by in sport has always
It's perhaps a bit hard to
been "If you're good enough, you're old enough!" Ben was
believe that we are celebrating
21 when he made his debut for England, in a winning start
a testimonial for a player who
to his England career against Ireland in 2000. It was Matt
is still only 28 years old, but
Dawson who really pushed Ben hard for selection,
it just shows how much he
confirming to me what my eyes could see that we had a
has achieved in his career so
special player here and there was no need to worry a jot
far: Fifty Seven caps for his
about putting him in . He was joined that day by Mike
country, a British & Irish
Tindall and both would go on to start for England in the
Lion in 2001 and in the top
Rugby World Cup final three years later. Coaching should
three try scorers of all time
always be about being excited when you pick your team, and
for his country. With those credentials,
to see the team develop with world class players,
and what I hope are several more years left in the game, I
supplemented by young players such as Ben, was just
think there are several more chapters to come before Ben
fantastic.
writes his autobiography.
Ben has not only been a prolific try scorer for Northampton Saints and England, he's also enjoyed the art
November 23rd 20 03
World Cup Fina l Victory
All the best Ben for a thoroughly well deserved testimonial.
of scoring a try. His swallow dive scoring against New Zealand at Twickenham in 2002 is an image many of us will
sir Clive woodward oBe
always remember and cherish and it underlined the fact that not only did I want my team to win, I also wanted the players to enjoy every minute of being part of the England set up. Another try of Ben's which stands out is his excellent finish in the 2003 tour match against Australia in Melbourne, which helped give England their first away win on Australian soil. I had a close relationship, despite what the media said, with Eddie Jones the Australian coach and he confirmed to me after that game, arguably England’s best, that the player they feared most was Cohen. When working so closely with players over so many years you also see how they handle everything both inside rugby and outside rugby. The tragic death of Ben’s Dad shattered us all, but his strength and his wish and will to move on quickly in order to support his family was just inspirational and a lesson to all of us, and one I will never forget. You see true champions at their best often at times of extreme adversity – Ben Cohen is a true champion in every sense of the word.
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
55
SAINTS ACCOLADES
The jewel in norThampTon’s Crown It was a chasing tackle. Not many saw it. It was barely
It was that tackle. Epi
perceptible. But to me, it represented character and
Taione was like a runaway
saintsmanship. It was a glimmer of hope, a light at the
train when Ben took chase,
end of a dark tunnel. And it would guide me in my first
hauled him down, got up
season at Franklin’s Gardens.
and won the ball on the ground allowing Saints to
The tackle happened in November 2001 at a
clear the pressure. This was
premiership game in Newcastle (Saints against the
the character and spirit I
Falcons). It was my first view of Saints, a team and club I
would be seeking in my
would come to love over the next 3 seasons. It was also
team.
November 2001
Saints V Newcas tle
my first contact with Ben Cohen. From 2001-2003, Ben was the best winger in the The club was in trouble, sitting at the bottom of the
world. I remember Lote Tuquiri saying before the
table. I had decided when accepting the Saint’s coaching
Sydney test in 2003 that he was just hoping to learn
job that the club needed its big players to be selected on
from playing against someone as good as Ben.
merit, not on reputation. I was determined to make the stars earn their jersey. Ben was one of these players, but
The thing that’s amazing about this is that at the time
what I saw that day convinced me that here was the jewel
Ben was going through some dark times after the death
in Northampton’s crown. It wasn’t the two tries he
of his Dad and during the subsequent trials. Instead of
scored. It wasn’t his size and pace or ability to win the
folding under this pressure, it steeled Ben up. He
collisions.
showed a toughness and resoluteness that was a guiding light for others at the club. I know of few others with this strength of character. Ben is different to many other professionals I’ve coached. He’s not your archetypal rugby player, consumed by the game. He’s not one to hang around after training or to spend a night on the booze with the boys. He’s certainly a professional but is able to keep the game in perspective. I have nothing but good thoughts about Ben. He is disarmingly up front. He’ll tell you how it is, even if you don’t like it. He let his feelings be known to me when I told him I would be coaching the All Blacks with Graham Henry.
“
From 2001-2003, Ben was The BesT winger in The world
He will always let you know how he thinks things are
going. I like that in people. It keeps things simple and direct – a bit like how rugby should be.
”
Some of my best moments in rugby these days are when I come up against old mates on the international field. I always cherish the battles against Ben, as do our players. He’s a fierce competitor. I’d rather be with him than against him!
wayne smiTh
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
19
SAINTS ACCOLADES
as deaf as a doorpost... "Hi Ben, I said Hi Ben! Ben stop ignoring me! Hello,
Ian Hunter, or Nick Beal. He trained religiously and
anyone home?!!!" Sound familiar to anyone reading this?
now and again listened (or lip read) for any shred of advice he could grasp in order to fulfil his aspiration of
So many endearing qualities ooze from Ben Cohen’s
international rugby football. Indeed he was the first real
pores, however hearing is certainly not one of them. In
full time professional the club had regards to attitude
fact there are a handful of world-class rugby coaches and
and physical attributes.
fly halves who, if asked, would without doubt claim that Ben was one of the greatest communicators in world
Now those who know
rugby. I’m sorry to shatter the illusion but more simply,
Ben would hopefully agree
he is as deaf as a doorpost. I said, he’s as deaf as a oooh
that he is not backward in
forget it. Just read it Ben!!
coming forward, a trait I admire. Northampton
Way back when even I had a full head of hair there was
needs players such as Ben
a tall, speedy, local lad strutting his stuff around
to maintain the real ethos
Franklin’s Gardens. To a man we all agreed that this kid
behind Saints’ rugby. It’s
had the most talent we’d seen since the likes of
often too easy to stay
21st June 2003
Cooke Cup Melbou rne Australia
below the radar and let others stumble whilst you drift along in comfort and therefore mediocrity. He pushes himself beyond the possible on and off the field, which is probably why success will always sit easily on his shoulders. Of course it’s not all been plain sailing, as losing a father would rock the sturdiest of vessels. We all deal with bereavement differently, however to merge that grief with the national media whilst at the height of your international form would without question have dented many a man. Not Ben. With fond memories, desire and an amazing amount of support from his family and friends he showed me, and Peter, what an incredibly strong and compassionate human he was and still is. You truly inspired me buddy, having led me through an extremely difficult part of my life when, unselfishly, you were hurting deeper than any of us. I am eternally grateful Benjy and will always be there for you and Abby.
“
You trulY inspired Me BuddY, having led Me through an extreMelY difficult part of MY life For a lanky Northampton lad he’s not doing too badly at the moment, but mark my words there is plenty more to come from BC. Whether it’s flying
”
helicopters or building houses there’s one guy we could all depend on for quality. (Sorry, don’t include his cooking in that!!). But most importantly, what’s paramount to Ben is the quality of his and his family’s life. A lesson we could all absorb. Joanne and I send all our love and best wishes for the benefit year. You and Abby both deserve the plaudits as you make such a fantastic couple/team.
Matt dawson MBe
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
27
I N T E R N AT I O N A L AC C O L A D E S
“Music to My ears” The arrival of Ben Cohen on the International scene in 2000 and England’s fantastic playing record for the next 4 years are not a coincidence. Ben’s arrival was one of the catalysts for the team to become the Number One rated side in the World and ultimately World Champions. I missed his debut in 2000 as I was injured and had to watch on TV as he scored his first Try against the Irish but it wasn’t until later in the year I became aware of how good and important a player he would become. It was after the South Africa game and I was talking to
Johno
England’s Finest Captain 1999-2004
a few members of the opposition. To a man they all told me what a handful he had been to tackle and the problems he had caused them. This was music to my
a fantastic first half we needed to put away the Aussies
ears because as good as our backs were it’s always nice to
with one more score in the second half. Ben burst
have a real physical presence in your backline and for
through their backline and only had one man to beat,
the opposition to be worrying about your players rather
their fullback Chris Latham who in the press that week
than the other way around.
had stated his aim of becoming the best Fullback in the World (he thought he was 3rd best at that point). Ben
Three years later, we were playing Australia in Melbourne, our last game of the 02/03 season, and after
left him on the floor as he scored and we left our marker for the upcoming tournament in great style. Have a great Year Mate.
Martin Johnson cBe
Ben Cohen Official Testimonial Brochure
57