Brett Sinkinson has spoken out in defence of himself and Wales coach Graham Henry over the eligibility row that has brought a halt to his and Shane Howarth's international careers. The Neath flanker, speaking for the first time about the saga which has prevented him and his fellow New Zealander Howarth adding to their caps with Wales, last night insisted he did not knowingly play under false pretences.
Sinkinson, who has won 14 caps, defended Henry and still has hopes he can play for Wales again. The 29-year-old from Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's North Island believed he qualified through a grandfather. However it was revealed that Sydney Sinkinson came from Oldham and not Carmarthen in west Wales as had been indicated.
Sinkinson insisted, "I never set out to deceive anyone. My father always believed his father came from Wales, and I acted on that basis when I told the Welsh Rugby Union I was eligible. It is still a bit unclear. My grandfather was not registered for a month or so after his birth, which maybe caused confusion. But a birth certificate has been produced which says he was born in Oldham."
Sinkinson, who played during Wales' 10-match winning run as well as figuring in World Cup 1999, added Henry also acted in good faith over the matter. "Graham Henry did not tell me to say something I wasn't," said Sinkinson. "Maybe mistakes were made, but I don't think it is fair to only blame Graham. It must not just be his fault. Other people were involved. This whole business has been just about the worst thing to have happened to me, but no one can take away what I went through with Wales. I was proud to represent the country and did my best for them. Playing for Wales was the highlight of my life."
"I have still not given up hope of appearing for them again," he continued. "If the IRB don't change the rules I qualify next year on resident's grounds - and who knows what will happen in the WRU's investigation.
WRU's secretary Dennis Gethin despatched an in-depth report on Monday to the IRB concerning the eligibility row over Sinkinson and Howarth.
