No one has ever forgotten the haymaker that K-O’d his opposite number, Neil Francis, at a breakdown after a line-out. The Romford-born Welshman certainly made his mark.
In modern times his punch would have been a straight red card, no doubts about that, but back in 1992 things were different. There were no spies in the stand, no TMOs and no citing officers – what chance did Fred Howard have?.
Copsey has long since made his peace with Francis and this weekend he will be back in action in the championship when he does his bit to help raise money for the Doddie Weir Foundation. The winners of the game between Wales and Scotland these days picks up the Doddie Weir Cup and the match ball for the big game is being taken by a team of cyclists from Murrayfield to the Principality Stadium.
The now 57-year-old Copsey is one of the Welsh players who have pledged to take part in the 520 mile cycle ride from the Scottish capital to the Welsh equivalent. The lycra-clad, 6ft 5in Copsey can’t wait to get his pedals moving forward.
“I’m very proud to be taking part in the fund-raising event for his foundation ahead of the Wales v Scotland game.
“I hope we can reach our target of raising £5,000 through our efforts. It is going to be hard going physically for the cyclists.”
Copsey is going to be the elder stateman in a Welsh quartet that also includes Colin Charvis, Ian Gough and Alix Popham. His plan is to get ironman veteran Gough and young buck Popham to take on all the tough parts of the route.
Rob Wainwright and Iwan Tukalo are also taking part in the event and everyone is hoping it will be a great pay day for Weir’s charity, which helps fellow suffers of Motor Neuron Disease. Dragons director of rugby, dean Ryan, is another getting on his bike to help.
There will be nothing sophisticated about the effort put in over a two day period by so many former international players to raise funds for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in the two days before the game between Wales and Scotland.
It promises to be an epic journey with a wonderful outcome.
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To donate £10, text DODCUP to 70191
