5 Facts About Wales Playing England

Wales vs England Rugby Facts

Leading up to the 2019 Six Nations clash between Wales and England, we discuss 5 potentially lesser known facts.

Fact 1 – Wales has lost to England more times that any other test side

Since 1881, Wales and England have played 130 times.  Wales have won 57 times, England 61 times, with 12 draws.  Wales has played against England more times than any other nation and lost more times.

Fact 2 – England have more wins than Wales since beginning of 2010

Since the beginning of 2010, England has registered 9 victories against 4 for Wales.  Wales last beat England at Twickenham on 26th September 2015 in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, securing a 28-25 victory.

Fact 3 – England Score More Tries

England have scored 22 tries to Wales 17 in the 14 tests played since the beginning of 2010.  However, in the last 3 tests, England have outscored Wales 9 to 2!

Fact 4 – 62 Different Players Have Started the Last 4 Tests

In the last four games between Wales and England (12th March 2016 to 10th February 2018), there have been 28 different players starting for England and 34 for Wales.  8 different players have featured in the Wales back 3.  England won all 4 tests.  For the February 2019 test, there are no new players for Wales, but five new starters for England.

Fact 5 – Losing Steak for Wales Against England

The present run of 4 defeats in a row for Wales is their worst against England since a 7 match losing streak.  That previous losing streak started with a 46-12 loss at Twickenham in March 2000 and ended with a narrow 11-9 victory in Cardiff on February 2005.

Hospitality Packages

There are packages for the forthcoming Six Nations Ireland games which include a superb 3-course lunch, a guest rugby personality to talk about life in the game, and a big screen to watch the game.  Further details can be found on ‘Rugby Hospitality During Six Nations 2019‘ but availability is limited.

For more information about having Rugby Legend speak at your rugby or golf club, or pre-match rugby hospitality for the Six Nations Internationals please do not hesitate to contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782545 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

 

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Six Nations 2019 Preview and Ongoing Predictor

Who Will Be Crowed Champions in 2019?

On Friday 1st February 2019, France host Wales in the first game of the 2019 Six Nations.  The Stade de France stadium in Paris will be buzzing in anticipation.  But who will be holding the trophy at 7pm on the 16th March?  We look at each team’s form since the start of 2018 to give our prediction of the standings at the end of the tournament.  We also update the chart after each set of games to see how those positions change.

England

Since the start of 2018, England’s results have been mixed and they have lost more than they have won.  Their try scoring record in the same period is great, scoring 4 or more tries on 5 occasions.  And they are on a two-game winning run after the Autumn series and were unlucky to lose against the All Blacks.  Could Eddie Jones surprise the critics and spearhead another England revival?

Statistics after round one

Won: 7

Lost: 7

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 4th

Position after one game:  4th

France

Everyone continues to wonder what has happened to France.  Their record since the start of 2018 is dismal with three victories against Argentina, Italy and England.  In that period they have failed to score 4 or more tries, a statistic that will make the blood run cold for most French supporters.  Can they turn the tide?

Statistics after round one

Won: 3

Lost: 9

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 5th

Position after one game:  5th

Ireland

Arguably and statistically the best team in the world at present.  Defeating the All Blacks for a second time in the summer and only losing one test match (against Australia in the summer test) since the start of 2018.  They match England with the number of games where they have scored more than 4 tries with 5.  At present, they are an awesome machine.  Who will have the guile to stop them?

Statistics after round one

Won:  11

Lost:  2

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 1st

Position after one game:  1st

Italy

A few years ago there were signs of improvement for the Italians, but this was been swept away as others have adapted their game.  Their only wins since January 2018 have come against Fiji and Japan and, like France, they have failed to score 4 tries or more.  But can the old dog Parisse rally his troops to cause an upset in 2019?

Statistics after round one

Won:  2

Lost:  10

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 6th

Position after one game:  6th

Scotland

When compared with England and France, Scotland’s statistics are fantastic.  Having only lost four games since the beginning of 2018, with two of them against Wales, the Scots are right to feel confident.  Also, they have the 2nd best record for scoring 4 tries or more, having achieved this in 4 test matches.  If they play to their potential, they could surprise everyone.

Statistics after round one

Won:  8

Lost:  4

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 3rd

Position after one game:  3rd

Wales

As I am Welsh I must curb my optimism and consider this objectively.  Wales will win the Six Nations!  Hang on, let’s consider the stats.  They are on a nine game winning run that started after successive defeats against England and Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations.  They are scoring tries, with 4 or more scored in 3 tests since January 2018.  But do they have enough strength in depth?  Can they maintain that form?

Statistics after round one

Won:  12

Lost:  2

Position on form at the start of the tournament: 2nd

Position after one game:  2nd

The ‘Position on Form’ Table

We assessed each test match played since the beginning of 2018 and awarded 4 points for a win and 1 point for each game where the side scored four tries or more.  We then divided the total points by the games played to give us a points per game ratio.  Here are the standings

Team	Win	Loss	Games	Points (4 pts for a win)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Ireland	11	1	12	44	5	49	4.1
Wales	10	2	13	44	3	47	3.6
Scotland	7	4	11	28	4	32	2.9
England	6	7	13	24	5	29	2.2
France	3	8	11	12	0	12	1.1
Italy	2	9	11	8	0	8	0.7

Statistical Update After Round One

What a fantastic start to the 2019 Six Nations.  France conspired to lose against Wales on Friday night, despite an emphatic opening 40 minutes.  Scotland flattered to deceive against Italy.  And England shocked the rugby fraternity by thoroughly beating Ireland in Dublin.

So, we’ve updated our predictor and the new table is shown below.  Despite the defeat, our statistics say that Ireland will win the 2019 Six Nations simply due to the number of times they have scored 4 tries or more.  But Wales are closing the gap fast!

Team	Win	Loss	Games	Points (4 pts for a win)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Ireland	11	2	13	44	5	49	3.8
Wales	11	2	14	48	3	51	3.6
Scotland	8	4	12	32	5	37	3.1
England	7	7	14	28	6	34	2.4
France	3	9	12	12	0	12	1.0
Italy	2	10	12	8	0	8	0.7

Statistical Update After Round Two

An interesting round two.  Wales struggled to overcome a dogged Italy and missed out on a bonus point.  Ireland returned to winning ways by beating Scotland.  But it is England, who absolutely demolished France, who have emerged as the deserved favourites for the 2019 Six Nations.

But our statistical predictor tells a different story.  Based upon the performances of all the Six Nations sides since the beginning of 2018, Ireland will win the Six Nations, albeit just from Wales and due to securing more bonus point wins.  England stay at 4th, a fair reflection of their year, but not of the last two matches.  England also has the highest number of bonus points having exceeded scoring 4 tries in 7 of their last 15 tests.  That is some record.  Roll on round 3!

Team	Win	Loss	Games	Points (4 pts for a win)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Ireland	12	2	14	48	5	53	3.8
Wales	12	2	15	52	3	55	3.7
Scotland	8	5	13	32	5	37	2.8
England	8	7	15	32	7	39	2.6
France	3	10	13	12	0	12	0.9
Italy	2	11	13	8	0	8	0.6

Statistical Update After Round Three

A huge result for Wales beating England 21-13 and leaping up to 3rd in the world rankings.  Ireland flattered to deceive in Italy, but still managed to not only win but secure a bonus point in a 26-16 victory.  In Paris, the flair of France returned as they danced around the Scots to comfortably win 27-10.

Despite the Wales results, our statistics table still shows Ireland victorious.  Wales inability to secure bonus points is the only difference between the sides.  Also, England’s 8th defeat in 16 games keeps them below Scotland.

Team	Win	Loss	Games	Points (4 pts for a win)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Ireland	13	2	15	52	6	58	3.9
Wales	13	2	16	56	3	59	3.7
Scotland	8	6	14	32	5	37	2.6
England	8	8	16	32	7	39	2.4
France	4	10	14	16	0	16	1.1
Italy	2	12	14	8	0	8	0.6

Statistical Update After Round Four

Wales stutter to a 4th Six Nations victory against Scotland, setting up a Grand Slam finale in Cardiff.  The only team standing in their way is Ireland, who demolished France.  However, England wait in the shadows after trouncing Italy.

Our statistics table, calculated using the performances of all sides since January 2018, still shows Ireland winning the 2019 Six Nations.  England move up into 3rd.  But what will happen on Saturday?

Team	Win	Loss	Games	Points (4 pts for a win)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Ireland	14	2	16	56	7	63	3.9
Wales	14	2	17	60	3	63	3.7
England	9	8	17	36	7	43	2.5
Scotland	8	7	15	32	5	37	2.5
France	4	11	15	16	0	16	1.1
Italy	2	13	15	8	0	8	0.5

Statistical Update After Final Round Five

Our final table tells the story of the tournament.  Since January 2018, Wales has lost only two games; against England and Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations.  Since their last defeat against Ireland on 24th February 2018, the side has won 14 consecutive games.  A record for any Welsh side.  Wales top the table on the basis of games won, with Ireland snapping at their heels with a better bonus point record.  England edge Scotland in 3rd place.

Team	Win	Loss	Draws	Games	Points (4 pts for a win 2pts draw)	Bonus Points	Total Points	Divided By Games
Wales	15	2	0	17	60	3	63	3.71
Ireland	14	3	0	17	56	7	63	3.71
England	9	8	1	17	38	8	46	2.71
Scotland	8	7	1	15	34	6	40	2.67
France	5	11	0	16	20	0	20	1.25
Italy	2	13	0	15	8	0	8	0.53

Hospitality Packages

There are packages for the forthcoming Six Nations England and Ireland games which include a superb 3-course lunch, a guest rugby personality to talk about life in the game, and a big screen to watch the game.  Further details can be found on ‘Rugby Hospitality During Six Nations 2019‘ but availability is limited.

For more information about having Rugby Legend speak at your rugby or golf club, or pre-match rugby hospitality for the Six Nations Internationals please do not hesitate to contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782545 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

Rugby Hospitality During Six Nations 2019

Warm Up With Rugby Legends

There has never been more excitement about a Six Nations championship.  The 2019 tournament is anticipated to be one of the best ever.  There are so many reasons for rugby fans to be salivating at the prospect including:

• Wales is on a run of 9 consecutive victories, beating Argentina in their own country, South Africa twice and Australia.  It is their 3rd longest winning streak of all time.  They also won all 4 Autumn tests for the first time in their history;
• Ireland is on a run of 6 consecutive victories including defeating the mighty All Blacks in Dublin in the Autumn;
• England appear to be back on track, winning 3 out of 4 of their Autumn tests.  Their only defeat came in a close encounter with the All Blacks;

Nobody can under-estimate the importance of the 2019 Six Nations.

• It is the last before the 2019 World Cup in Japan;
• It will be the final swansong for the Wales coaching team of Gatland, Howley and Edwards;
• It is also the final Six Nations for Irish coach Joe Schmidt;

The Games

Wales play two of their five 2019 Six Nations test matches in Cardiff.  Prior to both games, Legends Hospitality will be staging pre-match entertainment in a private suite with dedicated bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cardiff.

Wales v England (Saturday 23rd February at 16:45) with rugby legends Rob Jones, JPR Williams and JJ Williams.

Wales v Ireland (Saturday 16 March at 14:45) with Wales and British Lions winger J. J. Williams (replacing former Wales lock and captain Gareth Llewellyn) and ex-Irish international Mick Quinn.

Hospitality Packages

Packages for both Six Nations home games include:

• Superb 3-course lunch;
• Guest rugby personalities talking talk about life in the game;
• A Welsh Male Voice Choir;
• Match day gift;
• Bar table service during the speeches;
• A big screen to watch the game for those not going to the stadium. ;

There are three tiers of tickets (along bespoke packages can be provided on request):

Level One Premier

Drinks reception with the guest speaker, a free bar (beers and wines only) until kick-off, post-match food, premier seating position in room, match-day gift.  £139 + VAT per head

Level Two Enhanced

Free Bar (beers and wines only) until kick-off and match-day gift.  £119 + VAT per head

Level Three Classic

Pay as you go bar,  and a match-day gift.  £89 + VAT per head

For more information about pre-match rugby hospitality for the Six Nations please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782545 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

 

 

 

Rugby Tales from David Duckham

The Perfect Rugby Warm Up for Wales vs England

Our build-up to last weekend’s Wales and England test match in Cardiff involved two events with England, British and Irish Lions and Coventry rugby legend David Duckham.  David’s recounted stories of his days with England and the Lions, giving his personal insight into life in rugby before professionalism.

On Friday 10th February, David spoke at a special rugby dinner held at the fantastic Cae Court Hotel and Restaurant in Bridgend.  Among the guests was rugby fan and Wales First Minister, Carwyn Jones.  After the dinner, signed rugby memorabilia was raffled to raise money for local charities.

At the event, the locally-based international sports artist Patrick Killian exhibited a David Duckham original painting for the first time.  The stunning painting was signed by David and a time-lapse video showing Patrick working on the painting can be seen on the Killian Art website.

The lunch was a great success and the ideal start to the second Six Nations weekend of 2017.

Prior to the Wales vs England test match on Saturday 11th February, David Duckham and JPR Williams entertained the guests with tales of rugby in the 1970s.  They also talked about professional rugby in the modern era and the Wales vs England test match.   The Q & A session was particularly interesting with probing questions seeking the opinions of two rugby legends who are still respected across the rugby world.

At the event, Patrick Killian also displayed a painting of JPR Williams playing for the British and Irish Lions against the All Blacks in 1971.  The painting was signed by JPR Williams and is one-of-a kind.

Just before people left for the stadium, David was joined by British Lions and Wales flanker Tom David.

A selection of photographs from both events can be seen on the Paul Fears Photography website:

• Lunch with David Duckham at Cae Court, Bridgend;
• Pre-match hospitality with David Duckham and JPR Williams at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cardiff;

The next Legends Hospitality event, with British and Irish Lions and Wales Hooker Matthew Rees, is prior to the Wales vs Ireland Six Nations test match on Friday 10th March.  For more information or to book at place, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

Potential Lions from Six Nations Round 1

Who Boosted Their Chance for a British and Irish Lions Place?

What a great start to the Six Nations.  Mind you, would we have expected any less?

Scotland edged out much-fancied Ireland 27-22 in a thriller at Murrayfield.  I fear for the Italians who have to face the Irish next.  It could be a bonus point annihilation in Italy.

But in Edinburgh, who stood out?  In my mind, there were two players who put their hands up.  At full-back, Stuart Hogg once again showed how he is possibly the best attacking 15 in the world.  His running lines and speed will terrorise any defence, including the All Blacks.

Another player who has an outside chance of getting on the plane down-under is Greig Laidlaw.  A key link man, but also a phenomenal kicker.

Of the Irish, maybe only Ian Henderson stood out for the Lions coaching team.

England stretched their winning run to 15 with a hard-fought 19-16 victory against France.  It was not the most spectacular of games and the biggest impact appeared to be the English bench.  James Haskell must be penciled onto the Lions squad team sheet and I expect to see more of him in the Six Nations.

When Wales played Italy on Sunday, all eyes were on Sam Warburton and he did not disappoint.  Also, Alun Wyn Jones did everything expected of being the captain and enhanced his chances of being Gatland’s right hand man in New Zealand when Wales left the field securing a 33-7 victory.  And can you leave out Halfpenny, who kicked Wales back into the game when they were 7-3 down?  But where would you play him?

Before the Wales vs England test match this weekend, we have a rugby hospitality event with David Duckham and JPR Williams at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cardiff.  It will be interesting to hear their thoughts about the crunch test match and those who can forget booking a family summer holiday.

For more information about pre-match rugby hospitality in Cardiff, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

 

Lunch with David Duckham at Cae Court

A Rugby Fueled Special Friday Lunch

On Friday 10th February, the day before Wales entertain England in Cardiff, English rugby legend David Duckham will be the guest speaker at a special lunch in Cae Court, Bridgend.

Cae Court overlooks the River Ogmore and is regarded as one of the best restaurants in South Wales.  Their head chef has a background in fine dining, but has developed an extraordinary talent for fusing flavours from around the world.  Working with local suppliers, he sources the finest ingredients and grows many of his own herbs.

David Duckham returns to Wales ready to speak at the Legends Hospitality pre-match hospitality event at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Cardiff on match day.  He is a rugby icon of England, the Barbarians, and the British and Irish Lions, and is often called an ‘Honorary Welshman’.

Watch out for announcements of other special rugby lunches in South Wales.

The rugby lunch in Cae Court is sold out, but there are a few remaining places available for the pre-match hospitality in Cardiff..

For more information or to book a place at the Pre-Match hospitality event with David Duckham, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

3 Great Wales Victories Against England

Memorable Welsh Rugby Success

There is a unique atmosphere in Cardiff when England travel across the bridge to play Wales at rugby.  There is a buzz and excitement among the throngs of red-shirt wearing supporters as they sip their pints of Brains SA.  You can almost hear the thoughts of fans wishing and praying for a Wales victory.  There is no other atmosphere like it.

It is also fair to say that the game probably means more to the Welsh public than the English.  For England, it is just another tough test match, although the cauldron of the Arms Park or Millennium Stadium has terrified the men in white into submission previously.

In recent years, England has dominated the Six Nations matches, but there is a history of great games between the two sides.  However, the first memorable victory came at Twickenham in the World Cup 2015 group stages.

England 25 Wales 28, World Cup 2015, Twickenham, 26th September 2015

This was England’s home World Cup and they found themselves in the group of death with Wales and Australia.  Wales had failed to beat Australia (yet again) and so their only chance of progressing was to beat England on home soil.

After falling behind and losing several key players to injury, late on in the game replacement scrum-half turned wing Lloyd Williams, broke down the left hand touchline and put in a kick behind the English defence.  Whilst sprinting at pace, Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies picked up the ball and touched down under the posts.  England never recovered and went on to lose.  The defeat also resulted in Stuart Lancaster losing his job as England coach.

Wales 30 England 3, Six Nations 2013, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 16th March 2013

The English were on a role and the Grand Slam and Six Nations title seemed within their grasps when they travelled down to Cardiff for the final game of the 2013 championship. Wales, being coached by Rob Howley whilst Warren Gatland took a British and Irish Lions sabbatical, had lost the opening game against Ireland.  They followed up with wins against France in Paris,  Italy in Rome, and Scotland in Edinburgh.  If they were to win the championship, they were going to do it the hard way.

For whatever reason, England just did not turn up.  The Wales back row of Warburton, Faletau and Tipuric were immense and dominated the collision area.  By the 66th minute England had conceded 2 Cuthbert tries and were 27-3 down.  They never recovered.  Wales left the Millennium Stadium clutching the trophy snatched out of English hands.

Wales 11 England 9, Six Nations 2005, Twickenham, 5th February 2005

Wales faced England in the opening match of the 2005 Six Nations on the back of 7 consecutive defeats against the men in white.  However, 2005 was the year of the dragon.  The year when Wales would secure a first Grand Slam since 1976.

Under the watchful eye of referee Steve Walsh and with an exceptionally long penalty kick by Gavin Henson, Wales secured victory.  The only try of the game was scored by legend Shane Williams and proved to the springboard towards a famous Grand Slam.

Pre Match Hospitality Prior to Wales playing England on Saturday 11th February 2017

Prior to this year’s Six Nations contest between Wales and England in Cardiff on Saturday 11th February, England and British and Irish Lions legend, David Duckham will be talking about the rivalry at a pre-match hospitality event run by Legends Hospitality.  Duckham is often called the ‘Honorary Welshman’ because of his flair and it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.  David will also be joined by Wales and British Lions full back, JPR Williams MBE for a Q&A.

For more information or to book a place at the Pre-Match hospitality event with David Duckham, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

Wales vs England Rugby Facts

Six Nations Rivalry Between the Dragon and The Rose

Firstly, I have to mention that I am writing this as a passionate Welshman.  Not that this will change the facts and statistics.  They are irrefutable.  However, for any Welshmen there is something special when we beat England.

The Six Nations has seen the white shirts of England dominate in recent years.  There have been victories in 2015, 15 and 16.  Yes, Wales did put a spoke in the wheel of the England Rugby World Cup in 2015, but that has been the only joy for since the infamous 30-3 annihilation in Cardiff in 2013.

Now there’s the first ray of hope for the Welsh.  The coach at the time was Rob Howley.  In charge as Warren Gatland took a British and Irish Lions sabbatical.  The year that Wales last won the Six Nations.  Will history repeat itself?

The first international rugby game between Wales and England was on the 19th February 1881 in London.  England emerged victorious and it was not until 1890 in Yorkshire did Wales carve out their first historic win 1-0.

Over the decades, both Wales and England have dominated for short periods of time.  Between March 2000 and March 2004, England won 7 consecutive games and inflicted some of their biggest winning scores and margins.

In the Golden Age of Welsh rugby, Wales won 5 consecutive tests between February 1975 and March 1979.

Wales and England have played 129 times, with 60 victories to England against 57 to Wales with 1673 points to 1518.  There have been 12 draws, the last of which was in the 1983 Five Nations Championship in Cardiff (13-13) when England ended up with the Wooden Spoon after starting the tournament as favourites.

However, in the Six Nations, England have been dominate, carving out 11 victories to Wales 6.

Prior to this year’s Six Nations contest between Wales and England in Cardiff on Saturday 11th February, England and British and Irish Lions legend, David Duckham will be talking about the rivalry at a pre-match hospitality event run by Legends Hospitality.  Duckham is often called the ‘Honorary Welshman’ because of his flair and it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.  In 2015, Steve Fenwick and JPR Williams shared their views, which was enlightening!  Photos can be seen on the Paul Fears Photography website.

The bookies are behind England, who are 2/5 on favourites to win.  But it is in Cardiff and the spectre of Rob Howley and 2013 will be floating around the Principality Stadium.

And I simply wish to whisper, “Cymru am byth.”

For more information or to book a place at the Pre-Match hospitality event with David Duckham, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website

David Duckham Talks Rugby before Wales play England

Six Nations Pre-Match Rugby Hospitality with David Duckham

He is called the honorary Welshman.  In the 70s, people said that he was the only Englishman that could have broken into the Wales team featuring rugby greats including Gareth Edwards and John Dawes.  And on Saturday 11th February, hours before Wales take on England at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, David Duckham will be talking rugby.

The Legends Hospitality Pre-Match Hospitality function with David Duckham is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of Cardiff, a 10 minute walk away from the stadium.

The Pre-Match event is the ideal warm up prior to the widely anticipated Wales vs England Six Nations test.  After a two-course meal, David Duckham will be talking about his rugby career with England, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians.

David Duckham is widely regarded as one of the best backs ever to play rugby for England.  Whilst playing on the wing or in the centre, the back with the flowing blonde locks would terrorise the opposition.

David Duckham (front row, 3rd from right) one of several Coventry players in an England shirt

Duckham played for Coventry for the whole of his career.  His England debut came in 1969, playing at centre.  Duckham went on to win 36 caps for England before he retired in 1976.  As part of the All Black series winning British and Irish Lions of 1971, he scored 11 tries in 16 games.

Duckham was the only English back in the 1973 Barbarians side that beat the All Blacks 23–11 at Cardiff Arms Park. In the first half he made a run that has become part of rugby folk lore, that brought gasps and cheers from a Welsh crowd more accustomed to regarding any Englishman with hostility.  When he broke through the All Black defence, he appeared to confuse the commentator, Cliff Morgan, who did not know whether Duckham had sidestepped or dummied.  He even sent the cameraman the wrong way; his change of direction was such that the camera went to the right and Duckham disappeared out of shot to the left. After the match he was given the nickname ‘Dai’ by the Welsh fans because he played like one of their own.

It will be interesting to hear what Duckham thinks about the present England side.  They go into the 2017 Six Nations as favourites and on an incredible winning streak.  Also, which English and Welsh players does he believe will be on the flight to New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in the summer.

For more information or to book a place at the Pre-Match hospitality event with David Duckham, please contact Paul Fielding on:

Phone:  01656 782252 or 07768 418308

By email on: legends@hospitalityandleisure.co.uk

Or via our website