Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Former Wales rugby star Jamie Roberts reacts to Wales’ greatest ever Six Nations moments

Published

on

WHILE we eagerly await the conclusion of the Men’s Six Nations Championship 2025, to mark what is the 25th anniversary of the tournament in its current format, a selection of journalists from rugby news site, RugbyPass, have compiled a list of the Championship’s 25 greatest moments.

Taking top spot as the tournament’s most memorable moment is Ireland’s dramatic win in 2015 on a try-packed day dubbed ‘Super, Super Saturday’. Going into the final games, three teams, Ireland, Wales and England had a chance of claiming the title, but luckily for Ireland, a French turnover quashed English hopes and gave legendary Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell a memorable send off.

In second place is Wales’ late 17-point comeback in five minutes against Scotland in 2010, culminating in the now-infamous golf buggy incident with flanker, Andy Powell. In third place is Johnny Sexton’s dramatic late drop-goal to earn victory against France in Paris and clinch the Grand Slam for Ireland.

RugbyPass journalist, Owain Jones, said of moment number two: “You’d imagine if Sir Alex Ferguson was watching his beloved Scotland snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, he’d have uttered some more industrial language, after a fixture that left Scottish hearts in a thousand pieces and a gleeful Welsh crowd laughing in disbelief as they stumbled jauntily into the hostelries around the National Stadium.”

In fourth place is Wales’ famous Grand Slam win in 2005; the side’s first in the Six Nations. Rounding off the top five is Finn Russell’s iconic pass in the 2018 tournament against England to help Scotland clinch the Calcutta Cup in a 25-13 victory over their arch rivals.

Recalling Wales’ historic 2010 comeback, Wales legend, Jamie Roberts, who also played in the game, offered these comments: “Obviously Powelly’s incident hogged the headlines for the months after that and I guess my most vivid memory from it was that because of this we weren’t allowed out into town after test matches for about 18 months [laughs].

”With the game though, I honestly tell people it’s one of the most amazing finishes to a Six Nations match ever, and it was a real privilege to be involved in it on the pitch. It must have been incredible for a Wales fan – certainly heartbreaking for a Scotland fan – and funnily enough it was just one of those games where I was actually convinced we were going to lose.”

Speaking about the winning moment, Roberts said: “This ball miraculously lands a few meters from the touchline and instead of just bouncing into touch – so game over for a draw – the ball bounced back over the Scottish defender’s head into one of our back three’s hands and we advanced up the field. At this point, I remember just legging it just to clear the ruck about five meters out and who else but Shane Williams goes under the sticks – only one person would have scored that try!

“I couldn’t even put my arms in the air to celebrate, I was knackered. I just looked around and saw a furious Andy Robinson and then all our coaches going nuts. It was a crazy finish and very rarely would you see finishes like that in the Six Nations.

“To be quite frank, I think most of the lads had probably given up hope on us winning in that game and just the second set of circumstances with that extra yellow card gave us a belief off the kick-off to just go for that try.”

The other Welsh moment making the top five (fourth place) is the side’s historic grand Slam from 2005, Wales’ first in 27 years. Speaking on his memories from the day, Roberts said: “I was 18, just finishing school and I remember being with some mates outside of the museum in Cardiff trying to climb a tree to get any sort of view of the big screen they have there and the crowd was unlike anything you’ve seen. Even now, if Wales were going for a Slam, you would not get this sort of number of people in Cardiff. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rugby population like it in the city centre for a match.

“You sometimes forget how long it takes to get over the hurdle and win a Grand Slam, but I’d like to think it’ll be less than 27 years before Wales’ next trophy success. I guess that group of Wales players inspired a generation really with what they did in 2005. I actually made my debut for Wales three years later in the tournament and it’s weird to think at that moment when I’m loving it and watching Wales beat Ireland for the slam that I’d be playing in the side three years later. Never saw it coming.”

Another key moment making the list was one with Roberts at its heart, the 30-3 win over England in 2013 to cling Wales back-to-back titles, a moment Roberts sees as his greatest moment in the tournament.

Roberts adds: “I honestly don’t think Cardiff has seen a better day since and I include the Slam of 2019 in that. I just remember the atmosphere at breakfast; it was quiet and no one really spoke about the game. Everyone kind of had this quiet aura about them and it was a mutual understanding in our heads that went something like: ‘Boys, we can’t lose today. We can’t lose to England in Cardiff and let them lift a Slam here. It just can’t happen. As all proud Welshmen wearing the red of Wales in Cardiff, it’s unfathomable to let that happen.’

“An amazing occasion and it’s safe to say I can’t remember the night [laughs]. Of all the Six Nations moments this would be my number one, for these reasons: One, we went back-to-back in the Championships. Two, we lost the opening game after a pretty dismal run of losses but still won. And three, we beat England and Cardiff to win it. So, I’ll repeat what I said at the start – I don’t think Cardiff has seen a better day since.”

 

Sport

Pupils try new sports at Community Clubs event

Published

on

More than 100 children took part in a day of sport at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun

MORE than 100 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a day of sport and activity at a Community Clubs event held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun earlier this month.

The event, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, gave young people the chance to try a range of sports delivered by local clubs.

Activities included archery and golf sessions led by Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, as well as rugby with Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, hockey with Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club, and bowls with Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club.

The event was designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs, helping pupils discover new ways to stay active outside school.

Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “This was the second year we have run this event and, as with last year, it was great to see so many children taking part and being active.

“A big thanks to all the students for their enthusiasm, to the local clubs for their support and delivery, and to the Young Ambassadors for being excellent role models.”

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Narberth U11s continue winning form with victory over Haverfordwest

Published

on

NARBERTH CRICKET CLUB’S Under-11 side produced another impressive performance on Monday evening, defeating Haverfordwest in a closely contested junior fixture.

Batting first, Narberth posted 95-3, which translated to a net score of 280 under junior cricket scoring rules. Haverfordwest replied with 77-11, finishing on 222 after losing wickets throughout their innings.

Poppy Phillips top-scored for Narberth with 17 runs, helping to anchor the home side’s innings.

The bowling attack proved decisive, with Danny Evans returning figures of 3-12 and also contributing seven runs with the bat. Archie Young claimed 1-9 and scored seven runs, while Charlie Morton (1-4), Kai De Silva (1-7), Morgan Rees (1-8), Lewis Roberts (1-10) and Tommy Phillips (1-12) all chipped in with wickets.

The victory continues a strong season for Narberth’s young cricketers, who have shown both depth in batting and discipline in the field.

A photograph shared by the club after the match showed a smiling Narberth squad celebrating the win in the evening sunshine.

Photo caption:

Victorious Narberth U11s after their win over Haverfordwest (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club).

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby

Published

on

Annual event will honour popular young footballer while raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance

FOOTBALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a much-loved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.

The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.

Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.

Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary Gareth Noot in presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.

“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.

“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.

“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”

Supporting a lifesaving charity

The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.

They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.

“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.

“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”

Teams invited to enter

The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.

Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.

For more information or to enter a team, email [email protected] or call 07815 189374.

Photo caption: Helen and Andrew Muskett with Gareth Noot, Secretary of Tenby AFC, and Mike May of Wales Air Ambulance during the cheque presentation following last year’s tournament fundraising success.

 

Continue Reading

Local Government15 hours ago

Tenby Spectacular row continues as organisers say key question remains unanswered

Round Table says legal clarity over pedestrian access is still holding up event plan TENBY ROUND TABLE has welcomed Pembrokeshire...

Community1 day ago

Manorbier fire scandal: Council’s payout just £63,777 after school destroyed

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has accepted an insurance settlement which leaves it with just £63,777.07 after the catastrophic fire which destroyed...

News2 days ago

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on...

Community3 days ago

Tenby Summer Spectacular cancelled amid council row over harbour access

Organisers say popular charity events cannot safely go ahead without clear powers to control crowds TENBY ROUND TABLE has announced...

News3 days ago

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland. Dyfed-Powys Police said the...

News3 days ago

Rhun ap Iorwerth urges new deal for Wales after Starmer quits

First Minister says next Prime Minister must focus on greater powers, fair funding and respect for Wales’ democratic mandate FIRST...

News3 days ago

How Labour’s landslide victory unravelled in just two years

Prime Minister announces resignation after losing support within his own party as Andy Burnham emerges as overwhelming favourite to take...

News3 days ago

Long Course Weekend set to bring thousands to Pembrokeshire

Three days of swimming, cycling and running will once again transform Tenby into one of the UK’s biggest endurance sporting...

Community4 days ago

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong JOSH Davies is hard...

Charity5 days ago

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at...

Popular This Week