It was one of the most eventful periods in the history of Welsh rugby and Rob Sidoli was there every step and jump of the way. You had the departure of Graham Henry, the Steve Hansen-Scott Johnson era, the 2003 World Cup turning point, the first Grand Slam in 27 years, Ruddockgate and the move to regional rugby.
Second row Sidoli experienced it all during a 42-cap career that took in spells at Pontypridd, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and the Dragons. But he could have missed the whole shooting match had he taken up an offer to throw his lot in with Italian rugby when he was just 21.
READ MORE: The inside story of the remarkable day Wales won the 2005 Grand Slam