A History of Welsh Rugby

Fans enjoying the atmosphere at the Millenium Stadium

The hottest ticket in town at the moment has to be a ticket for Wales vs France, Saturday 17th March at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, when Wales go for the RBS Six Nations Grand Slam. If you are one of the lucky 74500 people with a hot ticket, I'm sure you will find my blog this week particulary interesting. I have decided to look at the history of Welsh rugby.



A chronology of key events.

1881 - The Welsh Rugby Union is formed. Wales suffered an embarrassing defeat to England and the old enemy refused to play the principality the following season.

1890 - It took 9 years, and 7 attempts but at the seventh attempt, Wales achieved the 'Holy Grail' and finally beat England.  

1893 - Wales win their first Triple Crown and herald the start of the first 'Golden Era'.

1908 - Wales win the first ever Grand Slam.

1935 - Famous 13-12 win over the mighty All Blacks in Cardiff.

1950 - A 21-0 win over France in Cardiff led to the first Welsh post-war Grand Slam.

1971 Wales Grand Slam Winning Team

1971 - Wales' sixth Grand Slam and the dawn of the second 'Golden Era'. Welsh players became famous at home and overseas and left the opposition and the crowd amazed and astounded with scintillating performances throughout the Seventies. Players such as Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Mervyn Davies, John Taylor, JPR Williams, Gerald Davies and John Dawes were the backbone of the sides which dominated domestic and international rugby. The 1971 team is regarded by many as the best ever Welsh side. The victorious British Lions team who beat the All Blacks included 11 mighty Welshmen.

1974 - Six Welsh players are included in the British Lions team which defeated South Africa. These Welsh rugby stars also became household names: Phil Bennett, Geoff Wheel, Allan Martin, the Pontypool front row - Charlie Faulkner, Bobby Windsor and Graham Price - and Steve Fenwick

1978 Grand Slam Winning Team

1976 - Grand Slam

1978 - Grand Slam

1981 - Welsh Rugby Union celebrates its centenary.

1988 - Triple Crown and another famous Welsh rugby star is identified namely Jonathan Davies.

The Millenium Stadium

1999 - The home of Welsh rugby transfers from Cardiff Arms Park to the Millennium Stadium and the Rugby World Cup is held at this magnificent venue.

2005 - Epic Grand Slam victory. Wales claim their first Grand Slam in over 20 years. Michael Owen proudly lifted the trophy after a nail-biting win over Ireland.   

Wales Coach: Warren Gatland

2007 - Former All Black Warren Gatland appointed Welsh head coach. Prince William becomes the Vice Royal Patron of Welsh Rugby Union.

2008 - Ryan Jones lifts the trophy for Wales after a tense and hard fought victory over France. Not only was the Millennium Stadium full to bursting for the match but 30,000 fanatical Welsh supporters watched the game on big screens outside Cardiff's City Hall.

2011 - Rugby World Cup: Wales hailed as being the best prepared and fittest team in the tournament. After playing brilliantly throughout, Wales, down to 14 men, lost heroically in their semi-final against France. In the words of Warren Gatland, 'Our destiny was taken away from us'

The Wales squad celebrating the Triple Crown at Twickenham

2012- Wales secure a famous victory at Twickenham to win the Triple Crown. A win against Italy sets up a possible Grand Slam finale in Cardiff.

2012- March 17th: The culmination of the 2012 RBS Six Nations Tournament. The whole of Wales (and some of New Zealand) waits in anticipation. Can this team match the achievement of the team of the 1970's and win its third Grand Slam in 8 years? Time will tell.

Alex Cuthbert scoring a try against Italy