In RWC 1999, Canada fly half Gareth Rees became the first player to have played in four RWC Tournaments.
But while he is watching the current Tournament from the sidelines, the sixth leading points scorer in Rugby World Cup history hasn’t quite finished his involvement with rugby's showpiece just yet.
The veteran has offered his services to help develop the game amongst second tier nations.
“I think I’ve had a unique perspective having been in Europe, growing up in Canada and (having) worked in the States quite a lot,” Rees told rugbyworldcup.com on the eve of the semi finals.
“I think there is some work that needs to be done to help some of the second tier nations to create an upset in the next World Cup.”
The Cup is special
The Cup is special for Rees and he realises how important participation can be for a developing rugby nation.
“I’ve got four of them, it’s been a huge part of my life,” Rees said.
“With the advent of the Rugby World Cup people don’t realise how important it is to a region like North America where you don’t have the day to day coverage of rugby, a World Cup is something the press and sponsors can get behind.”
The former Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Rugby Union watched on with sadness as Al Charron, his team mate in three world cup campaigns, left the world stage with concussion in Canada’s last pool match against Tonga.
“I hope his head’s okay, he took a bit of a knock there and that was sad to see. I think Al’s had an incredible run. He did well to get on the pitch here," Rees said.
“He’ll be back in Ottawa I’m sure with (his wife) Annette starting a family and getting a real job. But he’s been an incredible servant, a class act and really led by example.”
A fine record
Rees’ own departure from the World Cup was under much better circumstances, a 72-11 defeat of Namibia at the 1999 Tournament. He left his own indelible mark on Canadian rugby with a national record 487 Test points and 55 caps.
By far his biggest career highlight was in Canada’s only RWC quarter final appearance back in 1991 against New Zealand.
“The 91 quarter final for us was just special to be there and take Canada to that place in the rugby world which is something you only dreamt of as kids growing up in Canada,” Rees recalled.
Canada lost the match 29-13 but walked off the field with their heads held high.
“To actually be in a quarter final stage, albeit maybe a bit of a mismatch, against a very powerful All Blacks side was special. But we got stuck in and didn’t concede. To be on that stage in a Canadian jersey was pretty special.”