OWN THE HALLOWED TURF

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 10:52 am 9th Feb 2005 post

Around 250 square metres of the pitch – which was only laid two weeks ahead of the match, the only match to have taken place on the pitch – has been taken up and re-laid following that momentous RBS Six Nations Championship victory, Wales’ first victory over England in Cardiff since 1993, and the Millennium Stadium are offering 250 pieces of turf for sale at £20 per lot.

In addition, 250 smaller pieces are being offered for sale at £10. All pieces will come with a certificate of authenticity signed by Millennium Stadium General Manager Paul Sergeant and Brent Cockbain. The pieces of turf made famous by Shane Williams’ try and Gavin Henson’s last minute penalty will be auctioned at a later date to raise more money for the Toby Lloyd Cockbain Foundation. The aim is to raise thousands of pounds for the charity set-up by Wales and Ospreys lock Cockbain and his wife Kate to honour their son, Toby, who died last year of a brain tumour.

The Toby Lloyd Cockbain Foundation (TLC) has been created to raise money for LATCH and all money raised through the unique sale of the turf on which the English dragon was slayed will be donated to the charity.

“As everyone knows, we are re-turfing part of the pitch ahead of Wales’ football friendly against Hungary tomorrow night (Wednesday, 9 February),” said Millennium Stadium general manager Paul Sergeant. “Rather than throw away so much of the ground on which England were beaten for the first time in Cardiff in 12 years, we thought we would put it to good use and offer it as a unique keepsake for Welsh fans.

“We hope it will enable people to keep alive the memory of one of the greatest days in the near six year history of the Millennium Stadium, as well as provide a major talking point in the garden.

“What’s more, all profits from the sale will go straight to Brent and Kate Cockbain’s charity, set up in memory of their son Toby – a good deal for a great cause.”

Brent Cockbain said, “Saturday was such a memorable game for everyone, especially all the players. This sale means people can keep a piece of history and do so much good for a children’s cancer charity which is fantastic.”

Fans who want to buy a piece of turf can either call into the Millennium Stadium shop – enter via Gate 3 on Westgate Street – or go through the official website, http://www.millenniumstadium.com/ the WRU’s online e-store, http://www.wru.co.uk/shop or order over the phone on 029 2082 2040.

Buyers of the turf will also receive a complimentary copy of the official Wales v England DVD – ‘More than just a game, the official history of Wales v England’.