95-470: Richard Clement Charles "Clem" Thomas (28 January 1929 – 5 September 1996) was a Wales international rugby union player. A flanker , he represented Cambridge University R.U.F.C. in the Varsity Match in 1949 and played for Brynamman , Swansea , London Welsh and Harlequins . He earned 26 caps for Wales, between 1949 and 1959 and captained Wales in his last nine internationals. After retiring as
190-569: A Red Cross charity match against England at Cardiff in 1940, losing 18–9. After the Second World War, Wales played a New Zealand Army team ( the Kiwis ) in 1946, losing 11–3. The Five Nations (suspended during the war) resumed in 1947, when Wales shared the title with England. Although Wales suffered their first home defeat to France in 1948, they won their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1911 in 1950. The next year, they lost 6–3 to
285-774: A 13-day release facility for squad training before the Six Nations and Autumn series games. The new agreement does state that the national team head coach, currently Warren Gatland , will be the sole person to decide who gets a National Dual Contract, with a long-term aim of only selecting players based in Wales. The limit on foreign players in Regional squads has been capped at a maximum of six while each Region will be allowed two so-called time serving players who will be available for Welsh selection after three years residency (rising to five years, effective from 31 December 2020). In 2008
380-508: A 133-page review was completed highlighting "bullying and misogyny" in the WRU. A three-person chair of Dame Anne Rafferty , Quentin Smith and Maggie Alphonsi was appointed for an investigation. The review involved conducting 50 interviews with groups or individuals, and it assembled a 5,000-page document of evidence, the findings were the WRU was suffering a general "failure of governance". However,
475-596: A 29–19 win in the first match played at the Millennium Stadium . Henry was consequently nicknamed "the Great Redeemer" by the Welsh media and fans, a reference to the opening line of Cwm Rhondda , a popular song among Welsh rugby fans. Hosting the 1999 World Cup , Wales qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 1987, but lost 24–9 to eventual champions Australia. A lack of success in
570-544: A deal worth £2 million. Redstone was replaced two years later by Reebok subsidiary Rockport , in a deal worth £1 million, followed by Brains Brewery in 2004, in conjunction with a four-year extension to the Reebok deal. Due to French alcohol advertising regulations , the "Brains" name was replaced by "Brawn" for the 2005 Six Nations Championship match between France and Wales at the Stade de France, and by "Brawn Again" for
665-549: A famous match at Cardiff Arms Park, and between March 1907 and January 1910, they won 11 consecutive matches, a record that stood for over a century. Welsh rugby struggled between the two World Wars, but experienced a second 'golden age' between 1969 and 1980, when they won eight Five Nations Championships. In addition to their Six Nations successes, Wales also finished fourth at both the 2011 Rugby World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup . Additionally Wales won 14 consecutive matches between March 2018 and March 2019, and reached number 1 in
760-665: A farm owned by the South African pilot Sailor Malan and rejoined the tour in time to be selected for the final two test matches against South Africa . Tony O'Reilly , writing after Thomas's death, felt that if Thomas had been available for all four games the Lions might have won the series rather than drawing it 2–2. Thomas captained the Lions team in the game against Natal . Clem Thomas was born in Cardiff and educated at Blundell's School and St. John's College, Cambridge . He
855-408: A late penalty goal by the replacement New Zealand fullback, Brian McKechnie . The penalty was controversial because New Zealand lock Andy Haden had dived out of a line-out in an attempt to earn a penalty. Haden later admitted that he and Frank Oliver had pre-agreed this tactic should they find themselves in difficulties. Referee Roger Quittenton was criticised by the press for failing to notice
950-478: A player he became a rugby union journalist and author of books on the game. Thomas first came to note as a rugby player while still a school-boy. A boarder at Blundell's School in Tiverton he gained four Wales School-boy caps while at the school. He gained his first full senior cap in the match against France in the 1949 Five Nations Championship . Thomas was also a member of the last Wales team that defeated
1045-522: A stand erected in 1881, and continued to expand its seating that decade. Crowds continued to grow and in 1902 in Wales' match against Scotland a world record 40,000 spectators paid to see the match. In 1911, the owners of the Arms Park, the Marquess of Bute 's family, confirmed Wales' tenure and during the 1920s and 1930s, Wales gradually gained increasing control. A new stand was built at the park in
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#17327876854291140-516: Is appropriate for the WRU to receive any further public money until these changes are made. We need certainty that women are safe from horrific misogyny in rugby, as well as across society." Ieuan Evans is set to answer questions on the matter at the Senedd on 2 February 2023 from the Senedd's Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee. As of November 2023,
1235-500: Is characteristically Welsh", and David Andrew said that "To the popular consciousness, rugby is as Welsh as coal mining, male voice choirs, How Green Was My Valley , Dylan Thomas , and Tom Jones ". Welsh rugby's first 'golden age' (1900–1911) coincided with the country's zenith during the 20th century, and rugby was important in building Wales' modern identity. There is a long tradition of Welsh supporters singing before and during matches. The choral tradition developed in Wales during
1330-608: Is that there is no written evidence, just oral repetition. On 12 March 1881, eleven clubs met in the Castle Hotel, Neath to form what would be accepted as a Welsh rugby union. After a humiliating defeat in the first Wales international rugby game, the Neath meeting was organised by Mullock to form a union that could organise regular international matches. The founding clubs of the Welsh Football Union (WFU), as it
1425-523: Is the governing body of rugby union in the country of Wales , recognised by the sport's international governing body, World Rugby . The WRU is responsible for the running of rugby in Wales, overseeing 320 member clubs, the Welsh national team and National Leagues and Cups. The WRU is headed by the President ( Terry Cobner ), chairman (Richard Collier-Keywood) and CEO ( Abi Tierney ). The roots of
1520-545: The 2008 Six Nations . They had not defeated England there since 1988, and went on to win 26–19. They eventually won all their matches in the Championship, conceding only two tries in the process, to claim another Grand Slam. Later that year, Wales defeated Australia 21–18 in Cardiff, but then started a six-year, 23-game winless streak against the southern hemisphere nations of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. At
1615-521: The 2011 World Cup , Wales reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987, but lost 9–8 to France after captain Sam Warburton was sent off. The two teams met again in March 2012, with Wales needing a win to claim their third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years, which they did with a 16–9 victory. This was followed immediately by an eight-match losing streak that was eventually broken during
1710-618: The 2022 Six Nations Championship , their sole win coming at home against Scotland. In the final week of the tournament, Wales lost to Italy 22–21, their first ever home loss to the Italians. They then embarked on a tour to South Africa over the summer. Wales narrowly lost the first test, losing 32–29 after a late penalty from Springbok outside half Handre Pollard . The following week, Wales secured their first ever win on South African soil, winning 13–12 in Bloemfontein. South Africa won
1805-510: The Flag of Saint David although there have been various different coloured strips in the past. Former change strips worn by Wales have used black, navy, white, yellow, grey & green as their predominant colours. Wales previously wore black jerseys as part of celebrations for the WRU's 125th anniversary in 2005. The jersey was worn against Fiji and then Australia that year; the Australia match
1900-571: The New Zealand All Blacks in 1953. In fact, it was Thomas's cross field kick that enabled Ken Jones , the flying Welsh winger, to gather the ball and touch down for the winning try. Thomas toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 1955. He was taken ill shortly after the start of the tour and was operated on for appendicitis , which caused him to miss the first ten tour matches. He spent part of his recuperation on
1995-557: The Pro14 , European Professional Club Rugby ( Champions Cup and Challenge Cup ) and Anglo-Welsh Cup competitions. Each region may call up players from a set of club teams within their area. These top club sides play in the 14-strong Welsh Premier Division . In August 2008 WRU chief Roger Lewis confirmed that the body was looking at a proposal to reinstate a fifth Welsh region, based in North Wales. Lewis admitted that he regretted
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#17327876854292090-585: The Six Nations Championship (previously the Home Nations Championship and Five Nations Championship) since it was established in 1883. They have won the tournament (and its predecessors) outright 28 times, most recently in 2021 . Since the Six Nations was formed in 2000, Wales have won six Six Nations titles, including four Grand Slams, and finished bottom twice. Wales has also participated in every Rugby World Cup since
2185-400: The Six Nations Championship – was first played, but Wales did not register a win. However, rugby in Wales developed and, by the 1890s, the Welsh had introduced the "four three-quarters" formation – with seven backs and eight forwards instead of six backs and nine forwards – which revolutionised the sport and was eventually adopted almost universally at international and club level. With
2280-599: The Welsh Language Society wrote to the WRU outlining a "lack of commitment to the Welsh language " and later held meetings to discuss the matter. In a statement to BBC Wales, a WRU spokesman said that it was reviewing its website and would be having more Welsh on the site. The current logo of the Welsh Rugby Union is based on the Prince of Wales's feathers . There have been multiple calls for
2375-605: The Welsh Rugby Union in men's international rugby union . Its governing body, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), was established in 1881, the same year that Wales played their first international against England . The team plays its home matches at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Principality Stadium), which replaced Cardiff Arms Park as the national stadium of Wales in 1999. Wales has competed annually in
2470-682: The World Rugby Rankings for the first time in August 2019. Eight former Welsh players have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame ; 10 were inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame prior to its 2014 merger into the World Rugby Hall of Fame . Rugby union took root in Wales in 1850, when Reverend Rowland Williams became Vice-Principal at St David's College , Lampeter , and introduced
2565-466: The "four three-quarters" formation, Wales won the Home Nations Championship for the first time in 1893 , winning the Triple Crown in the process. Wales next won the Championship in 1900 , heralding the first "golden age" of Welsh rugby, which was to last until 1911. They won two more Triple Crowns in 1902 and 1905 , and were runners-up in 1901 , 1903 and 1904 . In 1906, Wales again won
2660-438: The 1933–34 season, which increased the grounds' capacity to 56,000. By 1958, the WRU had concluded that a new national ground was needed due to flooding that often affected Arms Park. After debate and disputes between the WRU and various other parties, including Cardiff RFC , it was decided in the 1960s that a new national stadium would be built with a new ground for the Cardiff club backing onto it. The National Stadium, as it
2755-400: The 1970s, with world-class players such as Gareth Edwards , J. P. R. Williams , Gerald Davies , Barry John , and Mervyn Davies in their side. Wales dominated Northern Hemisphere rugby between 1969 and 1979, and managed an incredible winning record, losing only seven times during that period. Wales toured New Zealand for the first time in 1969, but were defeated in both matches. In
2850-626: The 19th century alongside the rise of nonconformity , and has extended to singing at rugby matches. Commonly sung songs include the hymn Cwm Rhondda , Tom Jones' Delilah , and Max Boyce 's Hymns and Arias . Wales' first home international was played in 1882 at St Helen's Ground in Swansea. In the 1880s and 1890s, home Welsh internationals were played at Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Llanelli. Swansea continued to be used as an international venue until 1954, when Cardiff Arms Park became Wales' primary home venue. Cardiff Arms Park first had
2945-418: The 2013 Six Nations, where Wales retained the Championship for the first time since 1979. Wales reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup at the expense of hosts England, before losing 23–19 to South Africa. Wales also achieved a fourth Grand Slam in 14 years and their first in seven years in the 2019 Six Nations. Wales reached the top spot in the men's World Rugby Rankings in August 2019, holding
Clem Thomas - Misplaced Pages Continue
3040-409: The 2015–16 season, the jersey design incorporated gold for the first time. The jerseys are embroidered with the WRU logo, which is based on the Prince of Wales's feathers . The original motto beneath the feathers was a German phrase, Ich dien , meaning I serve , but this has been replaced with large letters reading WRU . Wales's alternate strip as of 2023 is black with yellow accents, inspired by
3135-538: The 2019 Rugby World Cup. Pivac's first match in charge was a match against a Barbarians side coach by Gatland in November 2019. Despite winning Pivac's first full international in charge in the 2020 Six Nations against Italy, Wales only recorded two other wins all year, finishing fifth in both the Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup . 2021 saw highs and lows. Wales won their fourth Six Nations title of
3230-491: The All Blacks in the semi-finals. They then faced Australia in the third place play-off match, which they won 22–21. In the next two tournaments in 1991 and 1995, Wales failed to progress beyond the pool stage, winning just one match in each tournament. They also became the first co host nation to not make it out of the pool stage in 1991. Both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments were more successful, with Wales qualifying for
3325-525: The All Blacks scoring four tries to nil. Wales won two matches in the Five Nations Championships of both 1980 and 1981 , and in 1983 were nearly upset by Japan , winning 29–24 at Cardiff. In 1984, Australia defeated Wales 28–9 at Cardiff Arms Park. Wales achieved only one win in 1987's Five Nations before contesting the inaugural Rugby World Cup . Wales defeated Ireland in their crucial pool fixture, before defeating England in
3420-549: The First World War, Wales retained the same side for two consecutive matches when they faced England and Scotland. Then, in 1933, captained by Watcyn Thomas , Wales defeated England at Twickenham . In 1935, Wales beat the touring New Zealand side 13–12, with Haydn Tanner making his first appearance. Although the Five Nations Championship was suspended during the Second World War, Wales did play
3515-548: The Five Nations outright in 1975, and in 1976, Wales won their second Grand Slam of the decade. Just like the first in 1971, they used only 16 players over their four matches. They repeated the feat in 1978 and, in the process, became the first team to win three consecutive Triple Crowns. Following their final Five Nations match of 1978, both Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards retired from rugby. Wales hosted New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in November 1978, losing 13–12 after
3610-517: The Five and Six Nations (Italy joined the tournament in 2000), and especially a number of heavy losses to Ireland, led to Henry's resignation in February 2002; his assistant Steve Hansen took over. During Hansen's tenure, the WRU implemented a significant change in the structure of the game domestically. Regional teams were introduced as a tier above the traditional club-based structures in 2003, and
3705-417: The Home Nations Championship, and later that year played South Africa for the first time. Wales were favourites to win the match , but South Africa dominated in the forwards and eventually won 11–0. Two years later, on 12 December 1908, Wales played the touring Australians , who they defeated 9–6. In 1909 , Wales won the Home Nations Championship and then, in 1910 – with the inclusion of France –
3800-607: The South African Tour that a much more positive attitude to the game was required in Wales ;... Players must be prepared to learn, and indeed re-learn, to the absolute point of mastery, the basic principles of Rugby Union football". This started the coaching revolution. The WRU Coaching Committee – set up in the late 1950s – was given the task of improving the quality of coaching and, in January 1967, Ray Williams
3895-638: The WRU to use a logo "more relevant to Wales" as the feathers are associated by some with the "English crown". Pro-independence group YesCymru created mock-up WRU logos using a leek, daffodil and harp instead of the three feathers. Using a Welsh dragon has also been proposed. The union's patron is Prince William , the current Prince of Wales . The naming of the Prince William Cup caused controversy in Wales in 2007, with petitions receiving more than 1,000 signatures calling for it to be named after
Clem Thomas - Misplaced Pages Continue
3990-493: The WRU's "biggest shirt partnership deal in its history". In 2017, Japanese motor company Isuzu replaced Admiral as the main sponsors of the Wales team's home shirts. Between 2017 & 2019 the sponsorship of the team's alternate shirt was taken on by Subaru as a result of both Subaru & Izuzu's UK imports being handled by IM Group. In October 2015, the WRU agreed a nine-year, £33 million extension to its contract with Under Armour, only for both parties to mutually terminate
4085-654: The Welsh Rugby Union lay in the creation of the South Wales Football Union (SWFU) in September 1875; formed, "...with the intention of playing matches with the principal clubs in the West of England and the neighbourhood. The rugby rules will be the code adopted. The South Wales Football Club was superseded in 1878 by the South Wales Football Union in an attempt to bring greater regulation to the sport and to select representatives from club sides to represent
4180-447: The Welsh representatives at the formal signing of the union in 1887. It was not until 1934 that the current name, the Welsh Rugby Union, was adopted. The WRU are responsible for the running of Welsh rugby, including 320 member clubs, the Welsh national team and National Leagues and Cups. The Welsh Rugby Union has a major role in the development of coaches, referees and players throughout all ages for both men and women. They also own
4275-413: The branding could have been viewed as "an invitation to 'try' Wales' best loved beer brand". In 2008, Under Armour replaced Reebok as Wales' kit manufacturer in a four-year deal worth £10 million. Welsh insurance company Admiral replaced Brains as the main shirt sponsors in 2010, signing a three-year contract. That deal was extended by two years in both in 2013 and 2015, with the latter described as
4370-469: The competition was established in 1987 ; they finished third in the inaugural tournament and have since made two semi-finals, in 2011 and 2019. Wales were the host nation for the 1999 Rugby World Cup , although matches were also played in England, Scotland, Ireland and France. The Wales team experienced their first 'golden age' between 1900 and 1911; they first played New Zealand in 1905, winning 3–0 in
4465-519: The corresponding match two years later. The Brains deal was extended in June 2008 until September 2009, with "Brains SA" appearing on Wales home shirts and "SA Gold" appearing on the team's yellow change shirts. For the away match against France in February 2009, the "Brains SA" logo was replaced by the words "Try Essai"; "essai" is the French word for a try , but is also pronounced the same as "SA", meaning
4560-454: The deal four years early in 2020. A new, seven-year contract with Italian company Macron was agreed in September 2020, believed to be worth around £30 million. In 2021 Cazoo replaced Izuzu as the shirt sponsor in a two-year deal, however Izuzu remained a partner of the WRU. In June 2023, Vodafone replaced Cazoo as the front of shirt sponsor (although it had already been present on the women's team's shirts since 2022), A month later it
4655-656: The decision in 2004 to close down Celtic Warriors . In September 2008 a new North Wales Rugby development team was announced, likely to be based in Wrexham ; ultimately, the team was launched as RGC 1404 , and was to be based in Colwyn Bay instead of Wrexham. In the same month Llanelli Scarlets changed their name to simply Scarlets , believing the new name would better represent their region beyond Llanelli . The current Rugby Services Agreement (or RSA) has been in place since 28 August 2014, and will be in place between
4750-401: The dive, but he later stated that the penalty had been given against Welsh lock Geoff Wheel for jumping off the shoulder of Oliver. Quittenton later said, "Haden's perception is that his dive secured the penalty. That is a load of rubbish". Wales then went on to win the 1979 Five Nations with a Triple Crown. In 1980, the WRU's centenary year, Wales lost 23–3 to New Zealand in Cardiff, with
4845-486: The economy: of their 42 matches, they won only 17, with three drawn. Half a million people emigrated from Wales to find work elsewhere during the depression; this included many Welsh rugby union internationals, who moved to the professional code of rugby league. Between 1923 and 1928, Wales managed only seven victories – five of them against France. However, even France managed to defeat Wales that decade, achieving their first victory in 1928. Welsh selection policy reflected
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#17327876854294940-587: The final test, and secured a 2–1 series win. On 5 December 2022, Warren Gatland was reappointed as head coach, following a review of Wayne Pivac and his performance in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series . The contract will see Gatland as head coach through to the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup , with the potential to extend an additional four years, through the 2027 Rugby World Cup . Gatland's initial coaching team included Alex King as attack coach, Mike Forshaw as defence coach, Jonathan Humphreys as forwards coach and Neil Jenkins as skills coach. Jonathan Thomas
5035-462: The first Five Nations. In 1911 , Wales took the first Five Nations Grand Slam , winning all their matches in the tournament. It would be nearly 40 years before they achieved a Grand Slam again. England's defeat of Wales at Cardiff in 1913 was Wales' first home loss to one of the Home Nations since 1899 , and their first home loss to England since 1895. The Great War came in 1914 and rugby
5130-491: The first time in 12 years, and after victories over Italy, France and Scotland, they faced Ireland in front of a capacity crowd at the Millennium Stadium where Wales' 32–20 victory gave them their first Championship since 1994. Later that year, they suffered a record home loss, 41–3 to New Zealand. Ruddock resigned as head coach midway through the 2006 Six Nations, where Wales finished fifth, and Gareth Jenkins
5225-456: The first time, before almost doing the same the following year. The 1991 World Cup saw further frustration, when Wales were upset by Samoa in their opening match. A second group-stage loss, by 38–3 to Australia, eliminated Wales from the tournament. After winning two Five Nations games in 1992, and one in 1993, Wales won the Championship in 1994 on points difference. But without defeating one of Australia, New Zealand or South Africa during
5320-601: The five (later four) regional sides became the top level of domestic professional rugby in the country. At the 2003 World Cup , Wales scored four tries in their 53–37 pool stage loss to New Zealand, before losing in the quarter-finals to the eventual tournament winners, England, despite outscoring them by three tries to one. Coached by Mike Ruddock , Wales won their first Grand Slam since 1978 and their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005 . A late long-range penalty from Gavin Henson gave them victory over England in Cardiff for
5415-514: The four component nations of the United Kingdom. Wales first won it in 1893, when they achieved a Triple Crown. Wales have won the tournament outright 28 times, and shared 12 other victories. Their longest wait between championships was 11 years (1994–2005). Wales first won a Grand Slam in 1908 – although France did not officially join the Five Nations until 1910 – and their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005. Their most recent Grand Slam
5510-409: The goal-line before the referee arrived. The referee awarded a scrum to Wales and the score remained unchanged; Wales won 3–0. The loss was New Zealand's only defeat on their 35-match tour. The post-First World War years marked a decline in Welsh rugby. An industrial recession struck the country, and hurt South Wales in particular. Welsh international results in the 1920s mirrored the performance of
5605-443: The home of Welsh rugby union, the 74,500 capacity Millennium Stadium , Cardiff, "an icon of the modern Wales". After the national team the next highest level of representation in Wales is the four regions based around top club sides, but representing a larger area. These regions came into being in 2003 when the WRU elected to reduce the current top tier of Welsh professional rugby union from nine clubs into five regions modelled on
5700-406: The inter-World Cup period, and again losing all four of their matches at the 1995 Five Nations Championship , Wales was not considered a major contender for the 1995 Rugby World Cup . At the 1995 World Cup, after comprehensively beating Japan, Wales lost to New Zealand; this meant that they needed to defeat Ireland to qualify for the quarter-finals. Wales lost 24–23 and so failed to progress beyond
5795-604: The international game. The SWFU though were poorly organised, and although they arranged fixtures between a South Wales team and various English clubs, they were often victims of fixture-clashes and were accused of lacking energy. In 1880, Richard Mullock , secretary of the Newport Athletic Club, decided to take matters into his own hands and without the backing of the SWFU organised an international match against England . The match took place on 19 February 1881, and
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#17327876854295890-510: The last decade, though they fell short of winning the Grand Slam at the death of their final match against France in Paris. They faced Argentina in a two-match test series, in which they drew the opening game and Wales lost in the second game 33–11. That autumn, Wales opened with losses to New Zealand and South Africa before beating Fiji and Australia. Wales slumped to a fifth place finish in
5985-534: The last two years of his life. He co-authored the book Welsh Rugby with Geoff Nicholson and wrote The History of the British and Irish Lions which he completed shortly before his death. Thomas also owned Swansea 's No Sign Bar in the 1960s: historian Peter Stead has argued that the popularity of Beaujolais Day in the city can be traced to this period: Thomas also owned a house in Burgundy and could transport
6080-521: The late Ray Gravell instead. In January 2023, a BBC Wales investigation included multiple former WRU employees who made allegations of a "toxic culture" in the workplace of the WRU. Later that week, Steve Phillips resigned as the chief executive officer of the WRU and was replaced by Nigel Walker . WRU chair Ieuan Evans said that an external taskforce would be established to deal with the allegations. In response to this news, Plaid Cymru Senedd member, Heledd Fychan said: "Steve Phillips' position
6175-419: The match, New Zealand team performed a haka (a Māori posture dance); the 47,000-strong crowd responded with the Welsh national anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ("Land of My Fathers") – the first time a national anthem had been sung before a sporting fixture. Wales wing Teddy Morgan scored a try to give Wales a 3–0 lead, before New Zealand's Bob Deans claimed to have scored a try, only to be dragged behind
6270-426: The new RSA. The new agreement also allows players to be offered a National Dual Contract (NDC), which means the union will pay 60% of a NDC player's salary and their region 40%. They also become available for all Welsh senior matches, despite if the match falls outside World Rugby 's international release windows in June and November. The WRU retained the right to play up to 13 senior international games each year with
6365-557: The new stadium began in September 1997, and was completed by June 1999, in time for the Rugby World Cup. The construction, which cost the WRU £126 million, was funded by private investment, £46 million of public funds from the National Lottery , the sale of debentures to supporters (offering guaranteed tickets in exchange for an interest-free loan), and loans. While the new ground was being built, Wales used
6460-857: The newly released Beaujolais quickly and cheaply to south Wales for sale. Thomas also took part in politics. He stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Liberal Party in two general elections for the UK parliament, contesting Gower in February 1974 and Carmarthen in 1979 , and in the first direct elections for the European Parliament in Mid and West Wales in 1979 . He died in Swansea in 1996 aged 67. Wales national rugby union team The Wales national rugby union team ( Welsh : Tîm rygbi'r undeb cenedlaethol Cymru ) represents
6555-490: The old Wembley Stadium for their home matches – a deal reciprocated during construction of the new Wembley, when FA Cup finals were held at the Millennium Stadium. Wales compete annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. The Six Nations started as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, as a contest between
6650-561: The only ones to win a series over New Zealand. In the 1972 Five Nations Championship , Wales and Scotland refused to travel to Ireland at the height of the Troubles after receiving threats, purportedly from the Irish Republican Army . The Championship remained unresolved with Wales and Ireland unbeaten. Although the Five Nations was a five-way tie in 1973, the Welsh did defeat Australia 24–0 in Cardiff. Wales next won
6745-461: The pool stage for the second time, and later that year Kevin Bowring replaced Alec Evans to become Wales' first full-time coach. Record defeats of 51–0 to France and 96–13 to South Africa, prompted the WRU to appoint New Zealander Graham Henry as coach in 1998. Henry had early success as coach, leading Wales to a 10-match winning streak; this included Wales' first victory over South Africa,
6840-493: The position for two weeks. They went on to top their pool at the 2019 Rugby World Cup , winning all their pool matches for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1987, and ultimately reached the semi-finals before they were knocked out by eventual champions South Africa; Wales lost to New Zealand in the bronze final and finished fourth in the tournament. In July 2018, it was announced that then- Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac would succeed Gatland as Wales coach following
6935-619: The presence of the club, or if Neath RFC actually did not attend. The fact that two of the main committee members of the SWFU, John Llewellyn and Sam Clark were Neath men, and the creation of the WFU disbanded their union, is generally accepted as the reason for the absence of a Neath representative. The WRU was a founding member of the International Rugby Football Board, now known as World Rugby , in 1886 with Scotland and Ireland , with Mullock and Horace Lyne
7030-482: The quarter-finals both times. Wales hosted the event in 1999 and topped their pool only to lose to eventual winners Australia in the quarter-finals. In 2003, they finished second in their pool behind the All Blacks, and faced England in the quarter-finals. They lost to England, the eventual champions, 28–17. Wales conceded 17 penalties, and their lack of discipline proved costly. Welsh Rugby Union The Welsh Rugby Union ( WRU ; Welsh : Undeb Rygbi Cymru )
7125-680: The quarter-finals. They then faced hosts New Zealand, who won 49–6, but beat Australia in the third place play-off game to claim third. The next year Wales won the Triple Crown for the first time since 1979, but heavy defeats on tour to New Zealand later that year saw the end of a number of Welsh players' careers, as several converted to rugby league. Welsh rugby reached a nadir when Wales suffered their first Five Nations Championship whitewash; they had upset England in 1989 to avoid losing all their Championship matches that season, but in 1990, Wales were defeated in all four Five Nations' matches for
7220-405: The second test, which they lost 33–12, New Zealand fullback Fergie McCormick scored 24 points; a record at the time. In 1970, Wales shared the Five Nations with France, and recorded a 6–6 draw against South Africa in Cardiff. The following year, Wales recorded their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1952. Using only 16 players in four games, the 1971 side achieved their most notable win of
7315-417: The sport there. Wales played their first international match on 19 February 1881; organised by Newport's Richard Mullock and captained by James Bevan , they played against England, losing by seven goals, one drop goal and six tries to nil (82–0 in modern scoring values). On 12 March 1881, the Welsh Rugby Union was formed at The Castle Hotel, Neath . Two years later, the Home Nations Championship – now
7410-599: The successful Irish provinces and the Super Rugby franchises in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand . The WRU had hoped to reduce the teams to four regions but Cardiff and Llanelli successfully argued for stand-alone status. After one year the Celtic Warriors region was closed down and the four surviving regional clubs are Cardiff Blues , Scarlets , Ospreys and Newport Gwent Dragons . They play in
7505-455: The title until 1964 and did not win it outright until 1965. Wales conducted their first overseas tour in 1964 , playing several games and one test in South Africa. They lost the test against South Africa in Durban 24–3, their biggest defeat in 40 years. At the WRU annual general meeting that year, the outgoing WRU President D. Ewart Davies declared that "it was evident from the experience of
7600-400: The touring South Africans, despite dominating in the line-outs . They achieved another Grand Slam in 1952, followed by a 13–8 win over New Zealand in 1953. In 1954, St Helen's in Swansea (a Welsh international venue since 1882) hosted its last international and Cardiff Arms Park officially became the home of the Welsh team. In 1956, Wales again won the Five Nations, but they did not regain
7695-467: The tournament in their victory over Scotland; after a last-minute try by Gerald Davies that reduced Scotland's lead to 18–17, flanker John Taylor kicked a conversion from the sideline described as "the greatest conversion since St Paul " to give Wales a 19–18 win. Wales contributed more players than any other team to the British Lions side that toured New Zealand that year. Those Lions became
7790-539: The union and the four Welsh regions ( Cardiff Blues , Newport Gwent Dragons , Ospreys and Scarlets ) for six years. The RSA delivers £8.7million a year to the Regions guaranteed to be spent on Welsh qualified players with a complex matrix of funding, also guaranteeing a further £3.6million in loan facilities from the WRU repayable during the term of the RSA. Each Region also receives a one-off £500,000 payment on signature of
7885-409: The upheavals of the mid-1920s. In 1924, 35 different players were selected for Wales' four matches, with a different captain for each, and only Edward Watkins in the backs and Charlie Pugh in the forwards playing in all four matches. A resurgence of both economy and rugby union followed in the 1930s and, in 1931, Wales won their first championship for nine years. That year, for the first time since
7980-645: Was added as a contact area skills coach. In November 2024, Wales lost 24-19 to Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series . This was their tenth loss in a row, equalling a record set by head coach Steve Hansen from 2002-2003. It was also the first time Wales had ever lost to Fiji at the Millenium Stadium. A week later, they lost 52-20 to Australia at the Millennium Stadium, a record eleventh straight consecutive defeat. Wales play in red jerseys, white (or some times, black) shorts and red socks. For
8075-498: Was announced that comparison site Go.Compare would become the first back of shirt sponsor of the team. The new Macron kits were launched toward the end of July (Just after the 2023 World cup shirts ) at which point it was also announced that player names would return to the back of the shirts, having previously been present between 2005 & 2008. Rugby union and Wales' national team hold an important place in Welsh culture and society. Sport historian John Bale has stated that "rugby
8170-418: Was appointed Coaching Organiser. The first national coach, David Nash , was appointed in 1967 to coach Wales for the season, but resigned when the WRU refused to allow him to accompany Wales on their 1968 tour of Argentina. Eventually, the WRU reversed their decision, appointing Clive Rowlands to tour as coach. Of the six matches, Wales won three, drew two and lost one. Wales enjoyed a second "golden age" in
8265-431: Was eventually appointed as his replacement. Jenkins led Wales through the 2007 World Cup , where they failed to advance beyond the pool stage after losing their final game 38–34 to Fiji, thanks to a Graham Dewes try. Jenkins subsequently lost his job, and Warren Gatland , a New Zealander, was appointed as his successor. Wales faced England at Twickenham for Gatland's inaugural match as coach and their first match of
8360-540: Was known, was officially opened in 1970. Since 1999, Wales have played all their home matches at the 74,500-capacity Millennium Stadium , Cardiff, which is also Wales' national stadium. The Millennium Stadium was first conceived in 1994, when a group redevelopment committee was set up. It was decided to replace the National Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park after a review found it was out of date; new legislation also required stadia to be all-seated. Construction of
8455-471: Was married twice, to Ann Barter in 1954 and Joyce Rowley in 1980 and had three sons and one daughter with his first wife. One of his sons, Greg Thomas, was the Head of Media on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa . Clem Thomas was a butcher by trade but when he retired from playing rugby he took up journalism and worked for The Observer for 35 years and then The Independent on Sunday for
8550-421: Was originally known, were Swansea C & FC , Pontypool RFC , Newport RFC , Merthyr RFC , Llanelli RFC , Bangor RFC , Brecon RFC , Cardiff RFC , Lampeter RFC , Llandovery RFC and Llandeilo RFC . Strangely the oldest rugby club in Wales, Neath RFC are not recorded as being present, even though the meeting took place in the town of Neath. It is unknown if this was an oversight by the committee to record
8645-473: Was suspended for the duration. When Wales faced New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in late 1905, they had not lost at home since 1899. This New Zealand team – referred to as The Original All Blacks – was the first of the southern hemisphere national teams to visit the British Isles, and were undefeated on their tour up to that point, having already beaten England, Ireland and Scotland. Before
8740-420: Was the first time Wales had not played in their red jersey against one of their traditional rivals. In 1992, the Welsh Rugby Union agreed a deal with Cotton Traders to produce the national team's kits. They were replaced in 1996 by Reebok , whose contract with the Welsh Rugby Union was worth £1.3 million in 1999. Wales received the first jersey sponsor in their history in 2000, when Redstone Telecoms agreed
8835-462: Was untenable, and I welcome today's news that he has stepped aside. It is the right action to take after the abject failure of the WRU to date to deal with very serious allegations of misogyny and sexism that were seemingly known to him and others. "Nigel Walker's appointment as Acting CEO must signal the beginning and not the end of the significant structural and cultural changes needed at the WRU. "The Welsh Government should now consider whether it
8930-660: Was won by England seven goals, one dropped goal and six tries to nil. This heavy defeat lay the seeds for further reforms that would lead to the creation of the WRU. Currently, there is confusion regarding the official date of creation of the Welsh Rugby Union. In March 1880 nine teams supposedly met at the Tenby Hotel, Swansea with the intent of creating a new union. These teams are thought to have been, Cardiff RFC , Chepstow RFC , Haverfordwest RFC , Llandaff RFC , Llanelli RFC , Neath RFC , Newport RFC , Pontypridd RFC and Swansea RFC . The issue with accepting this meeting
9025-478: Was won in 2019 with victory over Ireland on the final day of the Six Nations tournament. Their most recent Triple Crown was won in 2021 with victory over England in the third round of the Six Nations tournament. In 2024 Wales received the wooden spoon after 21 years. Wales have contested every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. The 1987 tournament was Wales' most successful; they won all three pool matches and their quarter-final, before losing to
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