Hansen, who hands over his national team coach role to Mike Ruddock at the end of the month, is returning to his native
The Millennium Stadium scheme, described as the world’s largest community art project, has been running since December 2003 and is steadily covering the Stadium walls with artwork created by Welsh children from schools and underprivileged groups throughout the country.
The Hansen portrait was presented by teenagers from the Bridgend Careers Wales Scheme, who visit the Stadium to learn vocational and practical skills and for a motivational day.
Pippin’s Designs Ltd, run by professional artists Sally and Jon Phillips, have been creating artwork for children to paint based on sporting heroes and legends in Welsh history. The work is currently on display alongside the player’s dressing rooms and at the main entrance to the Stadium and forms part of the official Millennium Stadium tour.
“The project obviously does a lot of good work for the community and the artwork they are producing really brightens up the Stadium. I really appreciate all the good sentiments that have been coming my way recently and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Welsh public as a whole for their support during my time here. I don’t think there is a more passionate group of fans in World rugby and they, along with the team, deserve the steady improvement that I’m sure will follow under the new coach.” said Hansen.
The portrait was handed over to the departing coach by Mathew Wilkins (20) from Brackla and Ryan Beech (17) from Maesteg, both joining the Stadium project from the Careers Wales Scheme.
