This the Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land Of My Father) is such a beautiful song. Especially when 70,000+ Welsh sing it in harmony. The words were written by Evan James and the tune composed by his son, James, in 1856. Here’s what it sounds like in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff moments before kick off against Ireland. Welsh fans embody Sportsmanship.
The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff – inspirational crowd singing
Welsh Fans Are Amazing. They sing the Irish National Anthem as loud as we do. Incidentally, the first time the Welsh National Anthem was sung (or any national anthem was sung at a sporting event) was in 1906 in Cardiff Arms Park in an impromptu response to the All Blacks Hakka. Sung by one of the players, followed by another, then the whole team, then a few in the crowd, then a few hundred and finally the full stadium let it rip!
The great thing about the Welsh crowd is that they sing the Irish National Anthem as loud as we (Irish) do. They are passionate about their rugby but always demonstrate great sportsmanship – regardless of the score. So many of them were able to smile, stick out a hand and congratulate Ireland on a great win. Here’s a few photos…..(please do post a comment).
Finally, here is the story of the very first time the Welsh National Anthem was sung at a sporting event (27 mins). After singing their anthem, Wales went on to win and become the first Northern hemisphere team to beat the ABs.
Thanks to Meirion Owen for alerting me to this wonderful Welsh rugby story from 1906.
You can see more wonderful Welsh men and women, boys and girls, singing, with great pride (and harmonies) their anthem in London Welsh RFC (2019) – soon to be added – currently hosted on www.Facebook.com/GreatSportsmanship or ditto Linkedin Great Sportsmanship group.
Discover more amazing short stories about rugby sportsmanship.
Spread the word. Please share these stories to schools, clubs, universities, friends, networks. Join us. Become a Great Sportsmanship Ambassador. All we ask is that you share our stories and tell us yours.
Great PR. Loved the video and pictures. That’s what Rugby is all about.
Thanks Al. I agree the brotherhood of rugby is ‘alive alive oh!’ The hand of friendship extends wherever rugby players mingle.
Al and everyone, we are launching a photo competition this Mon 29 Nov across all our social media platforms with UNESCO – check it out e.g. linkeidn, facebook, twitter, Instagram Great Sportsmanship programme e.g. http://www.facebook.com/GreatSportsmanship
Forgot to mention – there’s lots more rugby sportsmanship stories here http://tinyurl.com/42voelt
…….and long may that be so Paul. We need to support the growth of Rugby throughout the World. Our Sport brings people together. I believe it’s unique!
Afghanistan Al, is an amazing country and people. I am worried about Afghanistan Rugby and the safety of all involved including several hundred women rugby players. Have a look at this post https://greatmomentsofsportsmanship.com/afghan-stars-bring-peace-with-the-brotherhood-of-rugby/
As a fan of many sports, an ambition is to be present at an Wales vs Australia Test Match to hear the singing even more than to be at the game.
Yes, it is simply wonderful Gus – do it sooner rather than later! 🙂
Where can I get a DVD /CD of singing from Welsh national stadium on a match day
Am not sure Peter. I’m an Irishman! I love Cardiff rugby atmosphere. However, feel free to copy our video – but please do keep the title and the credits and perhaps mention The Great Sportsmanship Programme – we are a Not-For-Profit edutainment programme designed to inspire a new generation of global citizens through the joy of short stories about sportsmanship – albeit born out of rage for a terrible spear tackle on Brian O’Driscoll (Lions Captain in the first minute of the first test match). Creative something positive from a terrible negative moment. With very best wishes, Paul (PR Smith author and founder)