Wales, the rugby of the valleys

From mining valleys to the golden age of the seventies

In Wales, rugby takes root at the end of the 19th century in the working-class towns of the south, from Swansea to Newport, and in the mining valleys where every village has its club. The Welsh Rugby Union is founded in 1881, and the team beats the All Blacks as early as 1905 in Cardiff, handing the Originals their only defeat of the tour. The seventies remain the golden age: with Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Phil Bennett, and JPR Williams, the Welsh achieve the Grand Slam in 1971, 1976, and 1978, leaving a mark on a whole generation with their unpredictable and fast style of play.

The other nations of the Tournament

The nations of the Tournament are also:

• France.
• Ireland.
• England.
• Scotland.
• Italy.

All the nations of the Tournament are gathered on the VI Nations page.

The three feathers, the dragon, and the songs of Cardiff

The red jersey bears the emblem of the federation, the three feathers of the Prince of Wales coming out of a crown, with the motto "Ich Dien", I serve. The red dragon of the national flag fills the stands of the Principality Stadium, opened in 1999 in the heart of Cardiff and equipped with a retractable roof. Before kick-off, the anthem "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", the land of my fathers, is sung in Welsh by the whole stadium, often followed by "Calon Lân" or "Bread of Heaven". This choral tradition comes from the chapels and men's choirs of the mining valleys, which have supported generations of fans.

Wales coloured polos, Anthem jackets, and Gilbert balls

Since 2020, Macron has been the equipment supplier for the Welsh federation, producing the home and away jerseys, as well as the kits worn around match days: the Anthem jacket, worn by players during the anthems, the staff polo, and travel pieces, including a jersey and a zip-up hoodie designed for women. The cotton pique polo and the slim kids' polo are worn daily. On the pitch, Gilbert provides the ball in the colours of Wales, also available in a set of ten: a practical solution to kit out a rugby school group or a passing workshop with identical balls for feel.

Good deals

Great deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Where does France vs Wales take place?

Alternating between the Stade de France and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, which seats nearly seventy-four thousand. Its roof can be closed in case of rain, provided that both teams agree before the match.

Which great players has Wales had?

After the generation of the seventies, Shane Williams, named the best player in the world in 2008, Sam Warburton, captain of the British Lions in 2013 and 2017, and Alun Wyn Jones, one of the most capped locks in history, have worn the red jersey.

Has Wales faced Argentina in the World Cup?

Yes, notably in the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup in Marseille, where the Pumas won 29 to 17. Both nations also regularly meet during summer tours and November tests.

Does Wales have a women's team?

Yes, the Welsh women's team competes in the Women's Six Nations and the World Cup, in which it participated in 2025 in England. Its players have enjoyed professional contracts with the federation since 2022.

What is the 1973 Barbarians try?

A try scored by Gareth Edwards on January 27, 1973, in Cardiff, for the Barbarians against the All Blacks, following a move started by Phil Bennett near his own line. It is often presented as the most beautiful try in the history of rugby.