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| ground = [[Millennium Stadium]], [[Cardiff]]
| ground = [[Millennium Stadium]], [[Cardiff]]
| captain = [[Gareth Thomas (rugby player)|Gareth Thomas]]
| captain = [[Gareth Thomas (rugby player)|Gareth Thomas]]
| coach = Vacant
| coach = [[Nigel Davies]] (caretaker)
| from = 2006
| from = 2006
| caps = [[Gareth Thomas (rugby player)|Gareth Thomas]] (100)
| caps = [[Gareth Thomas (rugby player)|Gareth Thomas]] (100)

Revision as of 15:31, 16 October 2007

Wales
File:Wru logo.png
UnionWelsh Rugby Union
Nickname(s)Three Feathers, Red Dragon
Emblem(s)the Prince of Wales's feathers
Ground(s)Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Coach(es)Nigel Davies (caretaker)
Captain(s)Gareth Thomas
Most capsGareth Thomas (100)
Top scorerNeil Jenkins (1049)
Most triesGareth Thomas (40)
Team kit
Change kit
First international
 England 30 – 0 Wales 
(19 February 1881)
Largest win
 Japan 0 – 98 Wales 
(26 November 2004)
Largest defeat
 South Africa 96 – 13 Wales 
(27 June 1998)
World Cup
Appearances6/6 (First in 1987)
Best resultThird 1987

The Wales national rugby union team (also referred to as the Welsh rugby union team) represent Wales in international rugby union. They compete in the Rugby World Cup and annually in the Six Nations Championship. They are governed by the Welsh rugby union, and first played in 1881 (against England).

Wales have won the Six Nations 23 times, second only to England, the last being in 2005. Their best result in the Rugby World Cup is third, which they achieved in 1987. They also hosted the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Welsh players are eligible to play for the British and Irish Lions.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) regard Wales as a Tier One rugby nation. In particular, several Welsh players of the 1970s are acknowledged as some of the best in the game's history. Although several poor results in the late 1980s and 1990s hurt the team’s reputation, a resurgence in form in the 2000s and a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005 has helped reverse that. Due to this success, Wales became the first team ever to win the Grand Slam while playing more matches away than at home.

They were knocked out of the rugby World Cup 2007 by Fiji despite having played two games (against Australia and Japan) in Cardiff. This was a major shock due partly as prior to the tournament Wales were considered by many to have had the easiest route to the quarter-finals of the six nations. The disappointing performance resulted in the Welsh Rugby Union sacking Gareth Jenkins immediately.

History

Early years (1881 - 1919)

Wales' 1905 team that defeated New Zealand.

Rugby union took root in Wales when Reverend Rowland Williams became Vice-Principal and introduced the sport to St David's College, Lampeter, in 1850. The first Welsh club, Neath was formed in 1871, and in 1881 Wales played their first international; against England on February 19 which England won by seven goals, one drop goal and six tries to nil. Soon after the match on 12 March that year the Welsh Rugby Union was formed at The Castle Hotel, Neath.[1] Two years later the Home International Championship was first played and Wales did not register a win.[2]

However, rugby union in Wales quickly developed, and by the 1890s the four three-quarters formation had been developed in Wales. This formation with seven backs, and eight forwards instead of six backs and nine forwards revolutionised the sport, and was eventually adopted nearly universally at international and club level. With the "four three-quarter" formation Wales became Home International Championships for the first time in 1893; in the process winning the triple crown.[3] Wales next won the Championship in 1900, and this began the first Golden Age of Welsh rugby which lasted until 1911.[4] They won two more triple crowns in 1902 and 1905, and were runners up in 1901, 1903 and 1904.[2]

A line-out in the Wales victory over New Zealand's Original All Blacks in 1905.

In late 1905 they played their first Test against opposition from outside the Home Nations when they faced New Zealand (the All Blacks) at Cardiff Arms Park. New Zealand, later known as the Original All Blacks, were undefeated on their tour of the British Isles, and had already defeated England, Ireland and Scotland in three Tests before facing Wales.[5] In response to the All Blacks' haka (a Maori posture dance) that they performed before their matches, the 47,000 strong crowd sung the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (Land of Our Fathers). This was the first time a national anthem had been sung before a sporting fixture.[5] Wales' Template:Winger Teddy Morgan scored first to give Wales a 3–0 lead, but later in the match All Black Bob Deans claimed to have scored a try, only to be dragged behind the line before the referee could arrive. The referee ruled a scrum to Wales, and the score did not change; Wales winning 3–0.[6] The loss was the All Blacks only loss on their 35 match tour.

Wales again won the International Championship in 1906,[2] and then played South Africa (known as the Springboks) for the first time that year. Wales were expected to defeat the South African's but instead South Africa dominated in the forwards and eventually won 11–0.[7][8] Two years later on 12 December 1908 Wales played Australia (the Wallabies) fort the first time; defeating them 9–6.[9]

They won the 1909 International Championship, and then the first ever Five Nations (that included France) in 1910. In 1911 Wales earned the first official Grand Slam by winning all their matches in the Five Nations; they would wait nearly forty years for a second.[2] When England defeated Wales at Cardiff in 1913 it was Wales first loss at home to one of the Home Nations since 1899 (and the first loss at home to England since 1895).[10] The Great War came in 1914 and rugby was suspended for four seasons.

Post-war years (1920 - 1968)

A 1920 illustration of the Ireland versus Wales match.

The post-World War I years saw a big change in Welsh rugby union. Their worst period in international rugby union was during the 20s when the rugby union side seemed to mirror the industrial recession, which was felt particularly hard in South Wales. Of the 42 matches played, only 17 were won and three drawn.[11] The depression resulted in around half-a-million people leaving Wales to find work elsewhere,[12] along with them went a host of Welsh rugby union internationals to rugby league.[13] 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 ever victory over Wales in 1928.[14] Welsh selection policy reflected the struggles during the mid 1920s. In 1924 35 different players were selected for Wales' four matches, and their was a different captain for each one; only one person, Charlie Pugh, played in all four matches.[11]

Starting An Attack: painting of the England versus Wales rugby match at Twickenham in 1931.

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 World War One, Wales retained the same side for two consecutive Tests when they faced England and Scotland.[15] Then in 1933, captained by Watcyn Thomas, Wales defeated England at Twickenham for the first time.[16] In 1935 Wales beat the touring All Blacks by 13–12, with Haydn Tanner making his first appearance. Although the Five Nations championship was suspended due to World War Two,[17] Wales did play England at Cardiff in 1940 as a Red Cross charity match, which Wales lost 18–9[18]

Following the Second World War Wales played a New Zealand Army team (the Kiwis) in 1946 which Wales lost 11–3.[19] The first Five Nations following the Second World War was held in 1947 and Wales shared the title with England. Although Wales suffered their first ever home defeat to France in 1948,[20] they won their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1911 in 1950. The next year they lost to the touring South Africans 6–3 despite dominating in the lineouts.[21] They achieved another Grand Slam in 1952, and this was followed by a 13–8 win over the All Blacks in 1953. It was the next year when St Helens hosted its last international and Cardiff Arms Park was officially adopted as the home of the Welsh team.[22] In 1956 again won the Five Nations, and they would not regain the title until 1964, and not win it outright until 1965.

Wales conducted their first ever overseas tour in 1964 — travelling to South Africa and playing several games and one Test.[23] The Test against South Africa in Durban was lost 24–3; their biggest defeat in 40 years.[24] At the WRU annual general meeting that year, the outgoing WRU President D. Ewart Davies stated "It was evident from the experience of 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."[23] This started the coaching revolution. The WRU Coaching Committee that had been set up in the late fifties was given the task of improving the quality of coaching. In January 1967, Ray Williams was appointed Coaching Organiser.[25] 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.[26] Eventually the WRU reversed the decision and appointed Clive Rowlands to tour as coach. Of the six matches Wales won three, drew two and lost one.[27]

Second 'Golden Age' (1969 - 1982)

When Wales defeated England in the 1969 Five Nations to win the Triple Crown and the championship it ushered in an era known as the second golden age. Wales toured New Zealand for the first time that year, but were defeated in both Tests. As well as losing the first Test 19–0 and the second 33–12,[28] they also conceded 24 points to the All Black's Template:Fullback Fergie McCormick in the second Test which was a record at the time.[29]

As well as sharing the Five Nations with France in 1970, Wales also recorded their best result thus far against South Africa with a 6–6 draw in Cardiff.[30] In 1971 Wales recorded their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1952. Using only 16 players in four games, the 1971 side is considered one of the greatest in Welsh rugby history.[31][32] Their most notable victory of the tournament was their victory over Scotland.[33] After a last minute try to Gerald Davies to reduce Scotland's lead to 18–17, John Taylor kicked a conversion from the sideline described as "the greatest conversion since St John" to give Wales a 19–18 win.[32] Wales contributed more players then any other to the British and Irish Lions that toured New Zealand that year. Those Lions became the first and only to win a series over the All Blacks.[34]

In the 1972 Five Nations Championship Wales and Scotland refused to travel to Dublin at the height of the Troubles after receiving threats, purportedly from the IRA.[35] The Championship remained unresolved with Wales and Ireland unbeaten. Although the Five Nations was a five way tie in 1973, they did defeat Australia 24–0 in Cardiff.[36]

Wales next won the Five Nations outright in 1975 after sharing it with the four other countries in 1973. In 1976 Wales won their second Grand slam of the decade. Just like the first in 1971 they only used 16 players during 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.[32] They played the All Blacks later that year at Cardiff Arms Park. Wales lost the match 13–12 after a late penalty goal by replacement All Black fullback Brian McKechnie.[37] The penalty was controversial because All Black Template:Lock Andy Haden had dived out of a line-out in an attempt to earn a penalty; however the penalty awarded by referee Roger Quittenton was actually against Welsh lock Geoff Wheel for jumping off the shoulder of Frank Oliver.[38] The All Blacks went on to secure their first ever Home Nations Grand Slam.[39]

Wales won the 1979 Five Nations with a Triple Crown, and in 1980 celebrated the WRU's centenary year by facing the All Blacks in Cardiff.[40] Wales lost the match by 23–3 after the All Blacks scored four tries to nil.[41]

Modern era (1983 - present)

Wales won two matches in each of the 1983 and 1984 Five Nations,[2] and in 1983 was nearly upset by Japan; winning by 24–29 at Cardiff in 1983.[42] Australia defeated Wales 28–9 at Cardiff Arms Park. At the time this was the most points scored against Wales at Cardiff, and the first time they conceded a push over try there; Australia went on to win their first ever Grand Slam.[43]

Wales were still respected by the time of the first official Rugby World Cup in 1987. After defeating England in the quarter-finals Wales faced hosts the All Blacks. Although the All Blacks won 49–6, Wales managed to beat Australia in the third-fourth play-off game to claim third.[44] 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. Many of Wales' best players decided to convert to rugby league.[40]

Wales suffered Five Nations championship whitewashes in 1990 and 1991, and in the 1991 World Cup were knocked out in the group phase by Manu Samoa.[45] After winning two Five Nations games in 1992, and one in 1993, Wales won the Championship in 1994.[2][46] After again not qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals in 1995,[47] Kevin Bowring became Wales' first professional coach when he replaced Alex Evans that year.

Wales performances improved with the appointment of coach Graham Henry in 1998, and the return of several internationals from rugby league. Henry coaches Wales to a record run on ten consecutive victories,[48] and was nicknamed "the great redeemer" by the Welsh media.[49] Hosting the 1999 World Cup, Wales qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 1987, but lost 9–24 to eventual champions Australia.[50] Defeats to Argentina and Ireland in 2001 and 2002 led to Henry's resignation in February 2002 and his assistant Steve Hansen took over.[48] Further defeats led to perhaps the biggest ever shake-up of Welsh rugby union in 2003. At the 2003 World Cup Wales managed to distinguish themselves in the 2003 World Cup after scoring four tries in their 53–37 loss to New Zealand. They then lost to eventual tournament winners England 28–17 in their quarter-final.[51]

File:Michael Owen takes a lineout.jpg
Michael Owen takes a line-out

Coached by Mike Ruddock Wales won their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005. They opened with an 11–9 win over England at the Millennium Stadium thanks to a late long range penalty from Gavin Henson. After a win over Italy, Wales faced France, and were losing 15–6 at half-time. Wales fought back in the second half to win 24–18 win and the game tha was named the best of the tournament. Wales then won away to Scotland 46–22, and then in front of a capacity crowd at the Millennium Stadium played their final game against Ireland. Wales 32–20 victory gave them their first championship title since 1994 and their first Grand Slam since 1978.[52] The 41–3 loss to the All Blacks at Millennium Stadium later that year was their biggest loss on Welsh soil.[53] This was followed by a win over Fiji by a single point, then a loss to South Africa, and lastly a win over Australia.[54]

On 14 February 2006, midway through the Six Nations, Mike Ruddock resigned as the head coach of Wales, citing family reasons.[55] Wales eventually finished fifth in the 2006 Championship before Gareth Jenkins was appointed head coach on 27 April.[56] On 10 May 2007, Wales and Australia decided to celebrate 100 years of Test rugby between the two countries with the establishment of the James Bevan Trophy.[57] It is named after the Australian-born Welsh-raised man who was the first ever captain of the Wales rugby team; Australia won the series 2–0. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup Wales once again failed to achieve, getting knocked out in the pool stages of the competition. Another south pacific defeat this time to Fiji. Subsequently the welsh coach Gareth Jenkins was sacked. Wales are still looking for a head coach.

Strip

Wales play in red jerseys that is embroidered with the Prince of Wales's feathers, white shorts, and red socks. Their away strip (also known as change strip) is iron coloured. The strip is made by Reebok and the shirt sponsor is the Cardiff brewery SA Brain.[58] Due to legislation concerning advertising of alcohol, when the team plays in France, the "Brains" logo is replaced by "Brawn" (in 2005) and "Brawn Again" (in 2007) in a type style essentially identical to the Brains logo.[59] For the 2007 Rugby World Cup however, the jersey is only allowed the national union's emblem, the Rugby World Cup logo, and the logo of the jersey's manufacturer on it.

The Prince of Wales's feathers were chosen over another Welsh symbol, the leek, in an effort by the WRU to demonstrate the administration's loyalty to Britain in the nineteenth century.[60] The motif originally used was replaced with a more stylised version in 1991 to enable the emblem to be patented. Prior to this the motto under the feathers was Ich dien (German for "I serve") but was replaced with WRU.[61]

Wales have also donned a black jersey as part of celebrations for the WRU's 125th anniversary. The jersey was worn against Fiji and then Australia in 2005; the match against Australia was the first time Wales had played one of its traditional rivals not wearing its red strip.[62]

Support

Main article: Rugby union in Wales

Rugby union and Wales' national team hold an important place in Welsh culture and society. Sport historian John Bale has stated that "rugby 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".[63] Welsh rugby's first golden age (1910–1911) coincided with the country's zenith during the 20th century,[64] and rugby was important in building Wales' modern identity.[65]

There were record attendances for Welsh home internationals in their home internationals of the 2004-2005 season.[66] For Wales' 2005 Six Nations match against Scotland in Edinburgh, 40,000 Welsh fans travelled to see the game.[67] The home attendance record was bettered the next year when over 500,000 fans attended Wales' seven home matches.[68] The Millennium Stadium regularly sells out of all 74,000 seats.

Grounds

Wales' first home international was played at St Helen's ground, Swansea.[69] The ground continued to be used as an international venue until 1954 when Cardiff Arms Park became Wales' primary home venue.[70]

Currently Wales play all their home matches at the national stadium of Wales, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which has a capacity of 74,500 and is the largest stadium in Wales. The stadium is owned by Millennium Stadium plc which is a subsidiary company of the WRU. The stadium's first major event was Wales' first ever victory over South Africa, on 26 June 1999, although the stadium was not complete at this time.

Millennium Stadium was built in 1999 on the site of the old national stadium. The stadium was constructed for use at the 1999 World Cup, which was primarily hosted by Wales, including the final. The construction cost the WRU £126 million, which was funded by private investment, £46 million of public funds from the National Lottery, the sale of debentures to supporters (which offered guaranteed tickets in exchange for an interest-free loan), and loans.

Record

Six Nations

Wales' only annual tournament is the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. The Six Nations started out as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, and Wales first won it in 1893 when they achieved a Triple Crown.[3] Wales have won the tournament outright 23 times, and sharing ten other victories. Their longest wait between championship was 11 years (1994–2005). Wales first won a Five Nations grand slam in 1911,[2] and their one and only Six Nations grand slam in 2005.


 
England
France
Ireland
Italy
Scotland
Wales
Tournaments 128 95 130 25 130 130
Outright wins (shared wins)
Home Nations 5 (4) — 4 (3) — 9 (2) 7 (3)
Five Nations 17 (6) 12 (8) 6 (5) — 5 (6) 15 (8)
Six Nations 7 6 6 0 0 6
Overall 29 (10) 18 (8) 16 (8) 0 (0) 14 (8) 28 (11)
Grand Slams
Home Nations — — — — — 2[71]
Five Nations 11 6 1 — 3 6
Six Nations 2 4 3 0 0 4
Overall 13 10 4 0 3 12
Triple Crowns
Home Nations 5 — 2 — 7 6
Five Nations 16 — 4 — 3 11
Six Nations 5 — 7 — 0 5
Overall 26 — 13 — 10 22
Wooden Spoons
Home Nations 7 — 10 — 5 6
Five Nations 10 12 15 — 15 10
Six Nations 0 1 0 18 4 2
Overall 17 13 25 18 24 18

World Cup

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 the All Blacks in their semi-final. They then faced Australia in the third-fourth play-off match which they won 22–21.[44] In the next two tournaments in 1991 and 1995 Wales failed to progress out of the pool stage — winning one match in each tournament.[72] Both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments were more successful with Wales qualifying for the quarter-finals both times. Wales hosted the event in 1999 and topped their pool only to lose to eventual winners Australia in their quarter-final.[50] In 2003 they finished second in their pool to the All Blacks and faced England in their quarter-final where they lost to the eventual champions, despite scoring more tries than them with Johnny Wilkinson's left foot being the only decider.[51] In the most recent World Cup, Wales failed once more to progress from the pool stage, after a loss to Australia, and two wins against Japan and Canada, they lost by four points to Fiji in an all-deciding match. Ironically, once more they scored more tries than their opponents. It was as a direct result of the lack of world cup success that head coach Gareth Jenkins was removed from his position the day following Wales' elimination.

Overall

Wales' world ranking from 10 October 2003 to 13 August 2007.

Wales have won 295 of their 571 Test matches, a win percentage of 51.66 (see table). When the world rankings were introduced in October 2003 Wales were ranked eighth. They rose to seventh in June 2004 before falling back to eighth in November that year. During the 2005 Six Nations Championship they rose to their highest ranking position; fifth. They fell to ninth by June 2006, and have since risen back to eighth.[73]

Their Test record against all nations:[74]

Against Played Won Lost Drawn % Won
 Argentina 13 7 5 1 53.84
 Australia 26 9 16 1 34.52
 Barbarians 7 2 5 0 28.57
 Canada 10 9 1 0 90.00
 England 116 51 53 12 43.97
 Fiji 7 6 1 0 85.71
 France 84 42 39 3 50.00
 Ireland 112 61 45 6 54.46
 Italy 14 11 2 1 78.57
 Japan 10 10 0 0 100.00
 Namibia 3 3 0 0 100.00
 New Zealand 23 3 20 0 13.04
Template:NZMru 2 2 0 0 100.00
Template:PIru 1 1 0 0 100.00
 Portugal 1 1 0 0 100.00
 Romania 9 7 2 0 72.72
 Samoa 6 3 3 0 50.00
 Scotland 112 61 48 3 54.46
 South Africa 19 1 17 1 5.26
 Spain 1 1 0 0 100.00
 Tonga 7 7 0 0 100.00
 United States 7 7 0 0 100.00
 Zimbabwe 3 3 0 0 100.00
Total 571 295 249 27 51.66

Players

Current squad

The 30-man World Cup squad:[75]

Backs
Player
 Position Club
Gareth Cooper Template:Scrum-half Gloucester
James Hook Template:Fly-half Ospreys
Dafydd James Template:Wing Scarlets
Mark Jones Template:Wing Scarlets
Stephen Jones Template:Fly-half Scarlets
Kevin Morgan Template:Fullback Dragons
Sonny Parker Template:Rugbycentre Ospreys
Dwayne Peel Template:Scrum-half Scarlets
Mike Phillips Template:Scrum-half Ospreys
Jamie Robinson Template:Rugbycentre Blues
Tom Shanklin Template:Rugbycentre Blues
Ceri Sweeney Template:Fly-half Dragons
Gareth Thomas (c) Template:Rugbycentre, Template:Fullback Blues
Shane Williams Template:Wing Ospreys
Forwards
Player
 Position Club
Huw Bennett Template:Hooker Ospreys
Colin Charvis Template:Flanker Dragons
Ian Evans Template:Lock Ospreys
Ian Gough Template:Lock Ospreys
Chris Horsman (P) Worcester
Will James Template:Lock Gloucester
Gethin Jenkins (P) Blues
Adam Jones (P) Ospreys
Alun Wyn Jones Template:Lock Ospreys
Duncan Jones (P) Ospreys
Michael Owen Template:Number 8 Dragons
Alix Popham Template:Number 8 Scarlets
Matthew Rees Template:Hooker Scarlets
Jonathan Thomas Template:Number 8 Ospreys
T. Rhys Thomas Template:Hooker Blues
Martyn Williams Template:Flanker Blues

Notable players

See also Category:Welsh rugby union footballers
File:Gwyn Nichols.jpg
International Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Gwyn Nicholls who played 24 Tests for Wales between 1896 and 1906.

Ten former Welsh internationals have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame; Phil Bennett, Gerald Davies, Mervyn Davies, Gareth Edwards, Ieuan Evans, Carwyn James, Barry John, Cliff Morgan, Gwyn Nicholls, and JPR Williams.

Known as the prince of three-quarters, Gwyn Nicholls played 24 Tests for Wales at Template:Rugbycentre between 1896 and 1906.[76] He was the only Welsh player in the British Isles team of 1899, and was the star for Wales during their first golden era. Not only did he captain Wales to three Triple Crowns, but also their famous victory over the All Blacks in 1905.[77] On 26 December 1949 gates bearing his name at Cardiff Arms Park were officially opened.[78]

Named the greatest ever Welsh player of the 1950s by the WRU, Cliff Morgan played 25 Tests for Wales, and four for the British Lions between 1951 and 1955.[79] Morgan played at Template:Fly-half and was one of the sports biggest crowd-pullers during his career.[80] He played during Wales Five Nations grand slam of 1952, and Wales' victory over the All Blacks in 1953, but is most famous for captaining the British Lions in South Africa in 1955.[81] One of Morgan's great friends was Carwyn James.[82] Although most notable for his coaching record, James appeared for Wales in two Tests in 1958. He coached the British Lions to their first and only series victory over New Zealand in 1971 with a team including many Welsh players.[83] He also coached Welsh club Llanelli, and the Barbarians side that defeated the All Blacks in 1973. Despite this he never coached Wales.[84]

When Wales faced Australia on 3 December 1966 two future Rugby Hall of Fame members made their Test début; Gerald Davies and Barry John. Davies played 46 Tests for Wales between 1966 and 1978. Although he started out playing centre he was moved to Template:Wing during Wales' 1969 tour to New Zealand and Australia,[85] and eventually scored 20 Test tries for Wales. As well as Wales Davies also played for the Lions during their 1968 tour to South Africa and 1971 tour to New Zealand.[86] Although Barry John first played for Wales in 1966 he did not secure his spot in the team until 1968.[87] Playing at fly-half John helped Wales to a Five Nations grand slam in 1971, and then the Lions to their one and only series win over the All Blacks that same year. He picked up the nickname The King in New Zealand, and in 1972 quit the sport due to pressure his fame was causing.[88]

Widely regarded as the greatest rugby union player of all time, Gareth Edwards played 53 Tests for Wales at Template:Scrum-half between 1967 and 1978. Edwards was never dropped from the team and played all 53 of his Tests consecutively. He also played in three Lions tours; including the series victories in New Zealand in 1971, and the unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974.[89] Edwards won five triple crowns with Wales and three Five Nations grand slams. He also scored a try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973 remember as that try and considered the greatest ever try. In 2003 Edwards was voted the greatest player of all time by Rugby World magazine.[90]

In 1969 three Hall of Fame members debuted for Wales; Phil Bennett, Mervyn Davies, and JPR Williams. Bennett played 29 Tests for Wales. He started out playing Template:Fullback but after Barry John retired moved to fly-half. As well as representing Wales he played eight Tests for the Lions and captained them on their 1977 tour of New Zealand.[91] Mervyn Davies was known as Merve the Swerve and played 38 consecutive Tests for Wales between 1969 and 1976 and only lost eight of them.[92] After captained Wales in his last nine appearances Davies was forced to retire due to a brain haemorrhage.[93] JPR Williams played 55 Tests for Wales between 1969 and 1981. Whilst doing so he won six Triple Crowns and three Five Nations grand slams, and captained Wales for five Tests in 1979.[94] Playing at fullback he also toured with the Lions in 1971 and 1974 before retiring temporarily in 1980. He made a comeback however and played his final match, against Scotland, in 1981.[95]

Individual records

File:Colin Charvis.jpg
Welsh forward Colin Charvis who has scored more tries then any other forward for Wales.

Former Template:Flyhalf Neil Jenkins was the first rugby player to surpass 1000 Test points, and holds the world record with 1049. Jenkins also holds the world record for most penalties with 248, and Welsh record for most points in a single Test match with 30.[96][97] Wales' Test try record is held by Gareth Thomas (with 40) who is also the most capped player with 100 Test caps.[98] The record for Welsh tries by a forward is held by Colin Charvis with 20. Wales most capped forward is former Template:Lock Gareth Llewellyn who played 92 Tests, but the record for most consecutive appearances is held by Gareth Edwards who played all 53 of his Tests for Wales between 1967 and 1978 consecutively.[96]

Coaches

Following the unsuccessful tour to South Africa in 1964, the WRU set up a working party on coaching. The party recommended that Welsh clubs accept the principle of coaching. David Nash was appointed as the national team's first coach in 1967, but for the 1968 tour of Argentina the WRU initially planned not to have a coach tour with the team. Following pressure from the Welsh clubs at the WRU's annual general meeting the decision was reversed and Clive Rowlands was appointed as coach for the tour. The appointing of a coach for the team coincided with Wales' success in the Five Nations during the 1970s.[25]

List of head coaches:[99]

Name Nationality Years Tests Won Drew Lost Win percentage
David Nash Wales 1967 5 1 1 3 20.0%
Clive Rowlands Wales 1968–1974 29 18 4 7 62.1%
John Dawes Wales 1974–1979 24 18 0 6 75.0%
John Lloyd Wales 1980–1982 14 6 0 8 42.9%
John Bevan Wales 1982–1985 15 7 1 7 46.7%
Tony Gray Wales 1985–1988 18 9 0 9 50.0%
John Ryan Wales 1988–1990 9 2 0 7 22.2%
Ron Waldron Wales 1990–1991 10 2 1 7 20.0%
Alan Davies Wales 1991–1995 35 18 0 17 51.4%
Alex Evans Australia 1995 (caretaker coach) 4 1 0 3 25.0%
Kevin Bowring Wales 1995–1997 29 15 0 14 51.7%
Dennis John Wales 1998 (caretaker coach) 2 1 0 1 50%
Graham Henry New Zealand 1998–2002 34 20 1 13 58.8%
Lynn Howells Wales 2001 (caretaker coach) 2 2 0 0 100.0%
Steve Hansen New Zealand 2002–2003 29 10 0 19 34.5%
Mike Ruddock Wales 2004–2006 20 13 0 7 65%
Scott Johnson Australia 2006 (caretaker coach) 3 0 1 2 0.0%
Gareth Jenkins[100] Wales 2006–2007 20 6 1 13 30.0%
Nigel Davies Wales 2007 (caretaker coach) 0 0 0 0 0.0%

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wales national rugby union team.

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  • Potter, Alex; Duthen, Georges (1961). The Rise of French Rugby. Wellington: A. H. & A. W. REED.
  • Palenski, Ron (2003). Century in Black - 100 Years of All Black Test Rugby. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Limited. ISBN 1-86958-937-8.
  • Richards, Huw (2006). A Game for Hooligans. Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 1-84596-016-5.
  • Ryan, Greg (2005). The Contest for Rugby Supremacy - Accounting for the 1905 All Blacks. Canterbury University Press. ISBN 1-877257-36-2.
  • Smith, David (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

References

  1. ^ "Historical Rugby Milestones 1880s". rugbyfootballhistory.com. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "6 Nations History". rugbyfootballhistory.com. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  3. ^ a b "A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SIX NATIONS RUGBY TOURNAMENT". 6-nations-rugby.com. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  4. ^ Andrews, David (1991). "Welsh Indigenous! and British Imperial?–Welsh Rugby, Culture, and Society 1890–1914". Journal of Sport History. 18 (3).
  5. ^ a b "THE 1905/06 'ORIGINALS'". rugbymuseum.co.nz. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  6. ^ "7th All Black Test: 83rd All Black Game". allblacks.com. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  7. ^ Davies, Sean (2006-09-28). "Mighty Boks: South African rugby". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Wales vs South Africa > Games Played". rugbydata.com. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
  9. ^ Davies, Sean (2005-09-22). "Wallaby wonders: Aussie rugby". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Smith (1980), pg 198.
  11. ^ a b Smith (1980), pg 204.
  12. ^ Richards (2006), pg 123.
  13. ^ Richards (2006), pg 124.
  14. ^ Richards (2006), pg 126.
  15. ^ Smith (1980), pg 262.
  16. ^ Richards (2006), pg 135.
  17. ^ France was readmitted into international rugby union following the Home Nations Championship in 1939.
  18. ^ Richards (2006), pg 46.
  19. ^ McLean (1969), pg 147.
  20. ^ Potter (1961), pg 99.
  21. ^ Smith (1980), pg 344.
  22. ^ Smith (1980), pg 349.
  23. ^ a b Smith (1980), pg 368. Cite error: The named reference "Smith368" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  24. ^ "Rugby Chronology". rfu.com. Retrieved 2007-08-28.
  25. ^ a b Morgan, Leighton; Fleming, Scott (2003), "The Development of Coaching in Welsh Rugby Union Football" (PDF), Football Studies, 6 (2): 39–51
  26. ^ Smith (1980), pg 389.
  27. ^ Smith (1980), pg 393.
  28. ^ McLean (1969), pg 144.
  29. ^ McLean (1969), pg 119.
  30. ^ Smith (1980), pg 400.
  31. ^ "A Brief History of the Welsh Rugby Union". wru.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  32. ^ a b c "WALES' GRAND SLAM HISTORY". wru.co.uk. 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2007-09-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ "Six Nations: Golden moments". bbc.co.uk. 2003-01-24. Retrieved 2007-09-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "1971 – New Zealand and Australia". lionsrugby.com. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  35. ^ "Sport in chaos as crisis deepens". bbc.co.uk. 2001-02-27. Retrieved 2007-09-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ Smith (1980), pg 432.
  37. ^ "180th All Black Test : 741st All Black Game". allblacks.com. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  38. ^ Mehaffey, John (2005-11-24). "Mourie has mixed emotions over Haden dive". tiscali.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ This is victory over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all on the same tour.
  40. ^ a b Davies, Sean (2004-11-13). "All Black magic: New Zealand rugby". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ "191st All Black Test : 792nd All Black Game". allblacks.com. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  42. ^ Davies, Sean (2007-02-12). "Eastern Promise: Japanese rugby". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ "Historical Rugby Milestones 1980s". rugbyfootballhistory.com. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  44. ^ a b "1987 Rugby World Cup Results". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
  45. ^ "1991 Rugby World Cup Results". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  46. ^ Wales won this Championship on points difference as both Wales and England won three games each.
  47. ^ "1995 Rugby World Cup Results". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  48. ^ a b "Wales Head Coach Archive". wru.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  49. ^ "Henry the "Great Redeemer"". tvnz.co.nz. 2005-07-06. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ a b "1999 Rugby World Cup Results". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
  51. ^ a b "2003 Rugby World Cup Results". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
  52. ^ Palmer, Bryn (2005-03-21). "Wonderful Wales exude joy of Six". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ "All Blacks step up a Gear to crush Wales". abc.net.au. 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  54. ^ "Wales Results Archive". wru.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  55. ^ "Ruddock steps down as Wales coach". bbc.co.uk. 2006-02-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Wales unveil Jenkins as new coach". bbc.co.uk. 2006-04-27. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ "New trophy for Wales v Australia". bbc.co.uk. 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ "WRU and Reebok unveil Rugby World Cup shirt". wru.co.uk. 2007-07-18. Retrieved 2007-08-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  59. ^ "Top that!". sponsorshipnews.com. Retrieved 2007-08-30.
  60. ^ Andrews (1991), pg 346.
  61. ^ "Welsh rugby union strips talent from England - Cotton Traders". The Independent. 1991-12-06. p. 32. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "WALES OUT OF RED AND INTO BLACK". wru.co.uk. 2005-10-11. Retrieved 2007-08-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  63. ^ Andrews (1991), pg 336.
  64. ^ Andrews (1991), pg 337.
  65. ^ Morgan (2005), pg 434.
  66. ^ "RECORD PROFITS FOR WRU GROUP". wru.co.uk. 2005-07-29. Retrieved 2007-08-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  67. ^ "Fans celebrate win over Scotland". bbc.co.uk. 2005-03-13. Retrieved 2007-08-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  68. ^ "The rugby might be poor but the profits are good". icwales.co.uk. 2006-08-05. Retrieved 2007-08-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  69. ^ "Wales vs England > Game played on 3rd January 1885". rugbydata.com. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
  70. ^ "Liberty Stadium - The Background". liberty-stadium.com. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
  71. ^ By convention, Wales is credited with two Grand Slams for the years 1908 and 1909 because, if France was admitted only in 1910, Wales already met France on the sidelines of the Tournament and doubled the Triple Crown of a victory against France.
  72. ^ "Pool B", Rugby News, vol. 38, no. 9, p. 38, 2007
  73. ^ Ranking archives can be found at the IRB website; www.irb.com/rankings/analysis/index.html
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  75. ^ "Thomas to captain Wales at his fourth World Cup". wru.co.uk. 2007-08-10. Retrieved 2007-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  76. ^ "Gwyn Nicholls". blackandambers.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  77. ^ "Gwyn Nicholls". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
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  79. ^ "Morgan honoured". wru.co.uk. 2006-11-25. Retrieved 2007-08-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  80. ^ "Cliff Morgan". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  81. ^ "Cliff Morgan". lionsrugby.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  82. ^ Foot, David (2001-03-22). "Lonely prince of coaches". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  83. ^ "Carwyn James". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  84. ^ Hewett, Chris (2004-12-03). "Why has rugby shortchanged the Barbarian legends of '73?". The Independent. Retrieved 2007-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  85. ^ "Gerald Davies CBE". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-20. |date=2002-12-31}}
  86. ^ "Gerald Davies". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  87. ^ "Barry John". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  88. ^ "Barry John". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  89. ^ Kimmage, Paul (2007-03-25). "Leader of the backs". timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  90. ^ "Gareth Edwards". scrum.com. Retrieved 2007-08-21.
  91. ^ "Phil Bennett". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  92. ^ "Mervyn Davies". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  93. ^ "Davies, Mervyn". swansearfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  94. ^ "JPR Williams". 100welshheroes.com. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  95. ^ "J.P.R. WILLIAMS". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  96. ^ a b "International Individual Records". superrugby.co.za. 2007-08-13. Retrieved 2007-08-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  97. ^ "Neil Jenkins". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2007-08-14.
  98. ^ This excludes three for the British and Irish Lions.
  99. ^ "Wales' former rugby coaches". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  100. ^ "Coaching Record - Gareth Jenkins". lassen.co.nz. Retrieved 2007-10-01.

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