Players who Shook the Crumbie #26: Dorian West

[Iain]

Welsh born Dorian, or 'Nobby' as he was affectionately known by all, was one of the most popular men to ever wear the club colours. Signed from Nottingham in the late eighties, he started his career as a flanker before converting to his position as a hooker. Dorian must have spent a good ten years waiting for his chance behind Richard Cockerill, the incumbant of the letter B in the ABC club, but finally after years of substitute appearances and patience he did the unthinkable and broke into the ABC. But such was his assurance in that position nobody batted an eyelid. Some excellently solid performances led to him receiving an England call up in the twilight of his career. Nobby was to remain a fixture in the England set up for the best part of five years, including an appearance as captain in the lead up to the 2003 world cup, culminating in him being part of the squad that won the Webb Ellis trophy.
Dorian was persuaded to play on until the end of the 2004 season, at which point he retired and moved into working for the RFU for young level England players.
One of the nicest guys you could ever wish to speak to, and a very popular figure with players and fans alike.

[westy154]

Anyone with that surname must have been great! :D

[Gate]

Nobby was a true front row aristocrat. It was only the fact that Tigers had Cockers that stopped him from being one of the all-time stagers. Great player, top man.

Is there a portrait of him somehere?

[Tigers Tiger]

Once I had the pleasure of crashing my car with him in the passenger seat, coming back from a game. He was not injured though the car was written off !!
He was always a great guy though, and still keeps close links with the club and ex-players.
He was at the LCC Twenty20 with Johno recently too.

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At WC2003 didn't he become the oldest player to ever play in a world cup finals?

Cracking player as well.