The World of Groggs - 50th Anniversary - What's In Store?

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

As you are aware the World of Groggs will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2015. It was back in 1965, in a garden shed that John Hughes established what has gone on to become something of a global phenomenon. Loved the world over, but no place more so than in Wales itself. In a country beaming with National pride, The World of Groggs is revered as a true piece of Welsh history and over the years the work produced has graced the homes of many fans young old and in between.

It is not just the collectors who love Groggs but of course those who have been lucky enough to have been Grogged themselves. Taking great pride in being immortalised in clay and grabbing any opportunity to show off their new found Groggy status.

As we approach the 50th Anniversary, we know something special will be produced to commemorate such a wonderful occasion, but as to what it may be... well that is a mystery. Richard Hughes teased us all in his recent Blog update, indicating we can expect something but of course keeping any details top secret.

"The big Five O is almost upon us. I must admit it makes me a little nervous to be celebrating a Golden anniversary in a World Cup year, challenging but very exciting. I have a few ideas for commemorative pieces already but must keep them to myself for now."  

We can of course speculate as to what we may see, but no doubt we will likely all be extremely wide of the mark, but hey that is often the fun of being involved with communities of fellow collectors... the speculation, the excitement and the debate as to who may be next to be Grogged always introduces some often interesting ideas.

So where to start? Well a good place may be to take a look at previous Anniversary pieces which have been produced to get an idea of the direction the 50th Anniversary may take inspiration from.

I take you back to 2001, The World of Groggs were celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their move to what is now The Grogg Shop. In 1971 John Hughes moved his operations away from his garden shed to a much more suitable home for the Grogg magic to happen and what better location to choose, a form pub in the heart of Treforest, Pontypridd.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

So how did the Groggshop commemorate this Anniversary, well they went back to 1971 and captured a hugely iconic moment in Rugby Union history, the successful British Lions Tour of New Zealand. A special piece was produced featuring Welsh legend Gareth Edwards in his iconic "Hand off" pose from the 3rd Lions Test against the All Blacks in Wellington. Only 30 pieces were produced of this fantastic piece crafted by Richard Hughes, with only 27 actually going on sale to the public, making it an extremely rare piece.

It's clear to see why this piece was chosen to commemorate the 30th Anniversary. Firstly, it is an iconic moment in British Rugby history. Secondly, the star of the piece is a Welsh legend and thirdly Gareth Edwards was one of the first players ever created by John Hughes so clearly resonates in the history of the Hughes family and the World of Groggs.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Another piece was also produced in 2001 and that was a Grogg of founder of the Groggshop himself, Mr John Hughes. complete with tools in one hand and a traditional Dragon Grogg in the other this was an extremely popular piece.

Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry

 Fast forward to 2005, the Groggshop celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the year they were established. Again a commemorative piece was produced, however it didn't have any significance to the year of establishment 1965, but instead captured another memorable moment of Welsh Rugby Union, the Grand Slams of  1976 and 1978. Richard produced a piece which captured the Grand Slam Front Row in all their glory, the legendary Pontypool Front Row was captured a number of times in various different Groggy guises.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Now to 2010, the 45th Anniversary of the World of Groggs being established and we saw something completely different and unique in contrast to the other commemorative pieces produced, Mount Groggmore was born. Created to look like Mount Rushmore in the USA, Groggmore featured a line up of some greats of Welsh Rugby including Neil Jenkins, Gareth Edwards, Shane Williams and JPR Williams, I suspect it is no coincidence that these are some of the most Grogged players ever. Only 45 of these beauties were produced and sold out extremely quickly, with fans recognising the quality and stature of such an iconic piece.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

 

A year later the shop celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their move to The Groggshop. Again the focus was the 1971 British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand. However, the piece didn't feature any Welsh players, in fact it didn't feature any players at all, in stead we were blessed with a truly magnificent piece, The Lions Roar. The Lion is kitted out in full kit, bloodied, scared and roaring as he charges forward with rugby ball in hand. Standing the New Zealand fern and with an arm outstretched in "Hand off" pose very similar to the one featured in the earlier piece of Gareth Edwards from the same Tour (No doubt this is Richard's way of nodding to Mr Edwards). Only 71 pieces were produced and it is the only one of the commemorative pieces which is still available to buy today (although numbers remaining are very low now).

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

So we have seen what has come before, what could we possibly expect for the 50th Anniversary piece? I have a few unique ideas, let us know what you think yourselves and we will share the best ideas on the blog.

The first contender could be a Grogg that celebrates the place where the magic happens, The Groggshop itself. In a similar vain to pieces such as Mount Groggmore and The Captains Climb I could picture the shop captured in clay form, painted in the traditional Red and Green colours and the forecourt filled with miniature versions of some of the greats to have been grogged over the years. It would certainly be an epic piece.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Another option could be a Grogg which captures the people who have been so vital in the continued success of the World of Groggs. Something capturing John, Richard, Carly and Cathy possibly with nods to the roles they have undertaken over the years as the World of Groggs developed to the place it is today, John and Richard busily crafting the Groggs, Cathy Painting and Carly balancing several tasks phone being propped up against her ear by her shoulder, typing with one hand on the computer and safely packing up the Groggs for delivery in the other hand, maybe with little JJ strapped to her chest in his baby carrier ;-)

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

One fact we can't ignore is the fact that the Anniversary falls on a World Cup year. Could we perhaps see something with a nod towards the World Cup? Maybe a Grogg of the alleged inventor of Rugby William Webb Ellis, the man who lends his name to the Trophy presented to the winners of the World Cup?

Photograph Courtesy of Peter K. Lloyd

Still on the World Cup theme perhaps we could see something along the lines of a Grogg of the Webb Ellis Trophy itself, maybe with a number of past winners or current players all clambering around the trophy in the hope to be the next ones to hold it aloft, imagine The Captains Climb but instead of a mountain it is a trophy in the middle.

Of course given the fact the World of Groggs is based in Wales, with a Welsh Founder, huge Welsh Fanbase and the fact it has immortalised a huge amount of Welsh Legends in Clay, there is a very high probability that the Anniversary piece could have a Welsh theme. Over the years Wales have seen a number of successes in the world of Rugby union, including Grandslams, Triple Crowns and having a number of legendary players gracing not only the red of Wales but also representing the like of the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians. One of the most recent successes came in 2013 with the Welsh players forming a huge percentage of the Series winning British and Irish Lions team in Australia perhaps this could influence the new Grogg or maybe the recent victories over England in the 6 Nations could offer food for thought. We could even go all the way back to 1965, the year the World of Groggs was established and see a piece which commemorates the Welsh Triple Crown winning team.

I'm sure we would all love to get into the creative mind of Richard Hughes, to get a little sneak peak at what is to come. For now all we can do is speculate, but one thing we can all be certain about is whatever the finished piece will be, there is no doubt it will be superb!

Nick Cummins - The Honey Badger - The Most Australian Man In The World

Nick Cummins was born on the 15^th October 1987 in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia and raised by his father Mark Cummins along with 7 other siblings. Schooled at St Francis’ College in Crestmead, Brisbane he starred not only on the rugby field but also developed a reputation as a strong swimmer and showed athletic prowess.

Nicknamed “The Honey Badger” after drawing inspiration from the fierce nature of this wild animal, it wasn’t just the name that was adopted. In fact Nick tried to implement elements of the creatures own attributes into his rugby game. Cummins was quoted as saying:

“One of the stories that inspires me is that it is documented that a honey badger killed a lion in a one-on-one. What happened was that he clawed the canastas off the big fella. He just went one-two on the ball bag, and the big fella has walked around the corner and fell over … That, to me, is outstanding”

Early flirtations with Rugby saw Nick represent Queensland in the Australian Schools Rugby Championship back in 2005. In 2006 Nick moved to Sydney where he represented Randwick Rugby Club, The Galloping Greens in a team which has previously seen some of the greatest Australian players feature for them including Australia’s Record Points Scorer David Campese and former Captain George Gregan.

Able to play on the wing and at outside-centre, Cummins really came into his own as part of a struggling Western Force side, where his speed and direct approach to the game offered something different and often creative in the attacking third. It was in 2008 that Nick joined the Force to feature in the Super Rugby Championship, after a year with Perth Spirit. In the six years that Nick was at the club he racked up close to 75 appearances for the club amassing around 80 points in the process, whilst lining up alongside some greats of the game including David Pocock, Matt Giteau and James O’Connor.

Nick is also a former Australia Sevens representative. He featured at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India where he was a silver medal winner. Cummins played games against England for the Australian Barbarians (An Australian A side) in 2010 and has been called up to the latest Barbarians Rugby squad with whom he will be playing in the UK later this year against his native Australia. Cummins won his first International cap for Australia during the 2012 Rugby Championship in a 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario and went on to win another 14 Caps for the Wallabies scoring 6 Tries in the process.

Aside from his talent on the field and becoming the Force’s 3^rd highest Try scorer and a key member of the squad, there was something else which managed to catch the attention of a large contingent of rugby fans from all over the World. Was it his talent, power and pace? Er, well no, this of course was no doubt there but there was also something far more prominent. Embracing what can only be described as an 80s perm, complete with porn star moustache and the iconic headband Nick soon gathered a wave of fans who supported him throughout his time at the Force and as he broke through to the National side. It wasn’t unusual to see swathes of fans kitted out in their own Honey Badger style wigs and moustaches cheering this fans favourite on. 

On top of this characters eye catching looks he also garnered a reputation for what we can only call a unique way with words. The Honey Badger’s quotes have become stuff of legend and have even led to him having his own features where he would interview members of the teams he played in post match to get their verdicts and to of course allow fans to get their fix of Honey Badger wisdom. Take a look at some of his classic quotes below:

“I just saw the line, pinned me ears back and ended bagging a bit of meat in the corner there, which was tops!”

“The flamboyant French? They look all right. They have a good style about them with their hairdos. I might take a few pointers and go to a stylist to sort myself out. A few of the boys tell me I look a bit ordinary at times.”

“The boys were on it like seagulls at a tip.”

“Sweatin’ like a gypsy with a mortgage, actually.”

“You’re as tough as woodpecker lips.”

“Yeah mate I bloody was like a rat up a drainpipe in one of them runs there.”

“Last year we were all sizzle and no steak, but now we’re off like a brides nightie.”

“Busier than a one armed bricklayer in Baghdad.”

Unfortunately for fans of the Honey Badger, his time with Western Force was brought to an abrupt end earlier this year when it was announced he was leaving Australia to ply his trade in the Japanese Top League with Coca Cola West Red Sparks. Initially there were rumours that the moved was fuelled by money as the key motivator, which no doubt disappointed some fans. However, these rumours were quickly flipped when Nick released a statement citing family reasons as being the cause for his move to Japan, money was a motivator but not in a mercenary type of way. 

Nick’s own Father has battled with Prostate Cancer and two of Nick’s younger siblings both have Cystic Fibrosis, Nick simply couldn’t continue to sit back and watch his family struggle when he felt he could do more for them. In an interview with The Courier Mail Nick’s Father Mark said:

“He’s no mercenary. He treasures playing for the Wallabies and all he is giving up is because of his family… He told me that in his heart he couldn’t enjoy himself when he could be doing more for the kids.”

The move to the Japanese Top League actually means Nick will have more time off to spend with his family and more importantly the financial backing to support them and to research further cures and treatments which may of course benefit those who are closest to his heart.

As a result of some of the bureaucratic rules attached to some of the World’s leading Rugby Football Unions, Nick will unfortunately not be able to feature in the 2015 World Cup in England having been released from his contract with the Australian Rugby Union. This is of course not a rule confined to just Australia, but England are also at risk of losing some of their best players due to abiding by such ruling (Steffon Armitage being a prime example).

Nick made a huge sacrifice in leaving behind his native Australia, his family, his beloved Force and of course the opportunity to play at the pinnacle of any player’s career, The World Cup. However, given the reasons for the move, nobody could blame him and I’m sure it would be a move he would make again and again if given the choice. As fans we can say that The Honey Badger has gained a huge amount of popularity, respect and support. He is no doubt doing his best to endear the Japanese fans and we all hope we see him on the International stage again very soon, even if it may not be at the World Cup.

Here’s to “The most Australian Man in the World” Nick Cummins – The Honey Badger! One “Animal” we would all love in our Grogg collections!! 

Coming Soon.... Top Secret Exclusive!

The Grogg Blog has recently secured another exclusive with a fantastic former Footballer who has graced the shelves of The Groggshop. We can't say who it is at this stage, but I for one am very excited about writing a piece on this individual. Their contributions to football during their career and the subsequent work following retirement is commendable.

Keep watching this space for further updates!!

Stars of the 2015 World Cup - Potential Contenders for New Groggs

 

  
Australia 

Israel Folau

Probably one of the most popular players amongst the Australian contingent. Having played Rugby League, Rugby Union and Australian Rules Football it's fair to say this chap has talent. A player with great strength, pace and an eye for the try line, Israel is probably a good candidate to be Grogged, although the Groggshop does not have a strong track record when it comes to producing Aussie Groggs in fact prior to the recent David Pocock Grogg the last Aussie Grogg was produced over 20 years ago, that being one David Campese.

 

James O'Connor

James is an extremely outside bet to be Grogged, firstly as he may not feature in the World Cup at all having recently signed for French side Toulon, however a return to Australia in time for the World Cup may turn that all around. He certainly is in good stead to be Grogged having visited the shop (along with David Pocock) and having his photos taken for a potential Grogg.

England

Manu Tuilagi

The last English Grogg produced by the shop was Richard Hill circa 2006. However, a World Cup hosted by England surely warrants a new edition to the Groggy line up? The front runner with collectors would probably be Manu Tuilagi. Much like Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand Manu Tuilagi is a name that often pops up when collectors are asked about who they would like to see Grogged. Whether or not the Groggshop would share this desire to see him immortalised in clay remains to be seen, a strong World Cup could prove decisive.

Chris Robshaw 

The current England Captain is a good shout for a potential Grogg, particularly if England were to win the World Cup on their own soil. Touted as the potential captain of the 2013 Lions Tour, Robshaw was disappointed not to have even been selected for the tour. Robshaw certainly has something to prove, but is no doubt a great leader on the field and if victorious would surely be in strong contention for a Grogg.

Billy Vunipola

With strong connections to Wales, the cousin of Talupe Faletau has burst onto the International and Domestic scene with a bang, showing great power through the middle of the field and the occasional eye for the try line. If Billy can shake off injuries he could make the shortlist to be Grogged.

Mako Vunipola

The other Vunipola brother Mako has also started his International and Domestic career brightly, however a fairly poor Lions tour in 2013 and a whole host of injuries have hampered the development of this powerful prop. This hasn't halted his fan base however and would still make a great Grogg, he just needs to stay fit and build his confidence.

Alex Corbisiero

Alex is an extremely strong candidate to be Grogged and is probably the most likely out of the above list. Richard Hughes recently hinted that the full Lions Test line up would be completed and was only missing two pieces to the puzzle. Corbs was key in the Lions Test victories, particularly in the third test and has previously expressed his desire to be Grogged. Currently playing Rugby in Northampton alongside Welsh speedster George North, his eyes have no doubt been opened further to the wonders of The Groggshop.

France

Mathieu Bastareaud

The French National team have certainly had a tough time over the last couple of years, as a result I feel it is highly unlikely that we will see any players from France Grogged for the World Cup. However, if there was going to be a stand out candidate it would have to be Mathieu Bastareaud, his strength, stature and ability make him a strong option for a Grogg in the future.

Steffon Armitage

Ok, Ok Armitage is technically English and of course has turned out for the national side. However, as he is currently plying his trade in France with Toulon, he is deemed ineligible to be selected for the England National side, a rule which has irked many English fans, particularly as he is in the form of his life having been named ERC European Player of the Year 2013/14. Even more concerning is the fact he may actually be eligible for France, should he be selected for France he is a potential candidate to be Grogged, what better way for the Welsh to get one up on England than immortalising one of their own in the kit of a rival Nation.

Ireland

Jamie Heaslip

Jamie is a good shout for a future Ireland Grogg, firstly having featured in the recent Lions tour of Australia and secondly and probably more importantly having expressed an interest in being Grogged himself. He is unlikely to be the next Irish Grogg however.

Johnny Sexton

The World of Groggs have already announced that Johnny will be Grogged in the future and is probably the top choice for the next Irish Grogg, it just remains to be seen whether that will be in time for the 2015 World Cup.

Simon Zebo

Zebo has shown flashes of brilliance, but unfortunately has had a bit of a tough time with injuries recently. If Simon can stay fit and have a strong World Cup he could catapult himself up the shortlist and join a whole host of Irish legends who have been captured in the Green and White.

 

Italy

Martin Castrogiovanni

Martin is another player who is regularly is requested by Grogg Collectors, the long hair, beard and of course technical skills have all led to him being a popular player who would look at home in Grogg form. I always say there are not enough Groggs with beards! A Grogg of Martin was actually started a while back by Richard (in miniature form) but shortly afterwards abandoned. Despite having retired from International Rugby Castrogiovanni would be a popular choice for any potential Italian Grogg.

Tommaso Allan

Allan is billed as the next big thing in Italian Rugby, much to the disappointment of Scotland, who he could have played for. It is unlikely any Italian Groggs will come out of this World Cup but Allan is certainly one to watch and if he lives up to his billed potential could line up alongside Sergio Parisse on the shelves of the Groggshop.

New Zealand

Kieran Read

Read is in the form of his life, he was named IRB Player of the Year in 2013 and will certainly be looking to build on this accolade with a strong World Cup in 2015. A strong candidate for the next All Blacks Grogg (After Sonny Bill).

  











Julian Savea

Savea is another All Black in great form, despite only having 26 Caps to his name he has already scored an impressive 26 tries, 3 tries against England recently certainly made him popular with the Welsh fans and if he continues this fine form into the World Cup he could be a surprise contender to be Grogged.

Scotland

Stuart Hogg

It's been a long time since the last Scotland Grogg, but let's face it there hasn't been a great deal to celebrate in Scottish rugby. However, if there was a strong candidate for a Scottish Grogg it would have to be Stuart Hogg, the popular fly half adds a new dimension to this Scottish side and will be looking to rack up a few points for the Scots in the upcoming World Cup. Having featured on the 2013 Lions Tour should hold him in good stead as well.

Richie Gray

Richie also featured on the 2013 Lions Tour, although he wasn't a regular starter. Richie has featured at all International levels for Scotland and recently moved to Castres in France, a move which he hopes will propel his career further. Definitely an outside bet, particularly as his brother Jonny is being tipped for big things in Scottish Rugby!

South Africa

Bakkies Botha

Toulon and South Africa Lock Bakkies Botha has been a regular feature in the Springbok side. Having just won the Heineken Cup and French League with Toulon, on top of a World Cup with South Africa in 2007, he is certainly used to success, surely the ultimate accolade would be to join teammate Bryan Habana in Grogg form.

Wales

Jake Ball

Lock Jake Ball could be the archetypal Grogg, his huge red beard and scrum cap make him a player full of character and one which I'm sure Richard would love to start work on. However with just 5 caps to his name it could be a little early for Jake. I personally would love to see him Grogged at some point in the future and I'm sure he will be.

  














Liam Williams

Liam is another player popular amongst Welsh Grogg collectors. Again it is early days for Liam but the popular player will no doubt play himself into contention to be Grogged with a few more consistent performances for Wales.

Dan Biggar

Fly Half Dan Biggar is a player that divides opinion even amongst his own fans, however there is no doubting he is talented and has seen found some fine form with the Ospreys and has consistently been involved with the Welsh squads. Given his involvement in the successful 2013 Six Nations Championship, Dan is surely in line to be Grogged, although maybe not before Luke Chateris who has been in development for some time now.