Wales Vs Ireland 16th March 2019

A momentous game of Rugby Union in anyone’s language, but before I get onto this Saturdays’ game can I tell you why I’m bringing this game up.

Wales vs Ireland 8th March 1969, the significance of this match? It was the first International game of rugby I’d ever attended. It was also my late grandfather’s 60th anniversary, something lost to a 9 year old and I’m only just realising it having just looked up the game, but I digress.

A couple of firsts for me and a singular last, it was the first time I’d seen an International game of rugby, my first trip to the old Cardiff Arms Park and the first time I saw Prince Charles. It was also the last time I’d ever see the old wooden stands of that great ground as opposite to where we stood was the new concrete edifice that was to become the great ground Cardiff Arms Park forerunner of the Millennium Stadium, another great ground.

The score that day was irrelevant to me, Wales 24 – Ireland 11. It was the occasion I remember vividly hoping to see the great new super star Keith Jarrett play but no such luck he was injured .The sounds the smells the anticipation of a great game an emotional and exciting day. I was gripped, rugby was the game for me and I went on to play, representing my school, my home town Neath, County and Welsh honours being selected for Wales Boys Clubs. I then went on to coach and ref. I can thank the game for many fantastic experiences and memories.

This brings me to this Saturdays great encounter, once again it’s Ireland, once again it’s at the Millennium Stadium, a momentous game, Wales are looking for a Grand Slam.

It’s 50 years since my first game but the greatest and most emotional part for me is taking my ten year old grandson Jacob to his first International match. It’s being kept a secret and not until we start our journey will he be told where our destination is. I’m hoping he’ll get out of this the same emotions and feeling I have for the great game. How many sports allow you to mix in a ground with the opposition fans without feeling threatened. Our family now boasts the Irish to be part of it with my daughter in law and the craic is second to none. Indeed it was rugby that brought her and my son together.

Who ever wins let’s hope for a great encounter, and build the memories for my grandson.

Here’s to Rugby Union in my opinion the finest game on the Planet.