Huw Bennett went to the RWC 2011 as first-choice hooker after Matthew Rees was forced to pull out through a neck injury.

He enjoyed a superb campaign, and retained the No 2 jersey when Wales entertained Australia in December.

Twenty-seven of his 49 caps have come off the replacements bench but he started in four RBS 6 Nations matches in 2008 when Wales won the Grand Slam.

Huw made his Test debut in the 2003 World Cup warm-up match against Ireland and he went on to play in two World Cup matches in Australia that year and another in the 2007 tournament in France. Although Welsh-born, he played for England at Under 18 level before joining the Ospreys after representing Wales at U19 and U21 level.