Following the initial success of S4C programme Codi Canu last year, series two sees the four regional choirs return with the addition of a fifth North Wales choir, all of whom will compete to sing the Welsh anthem at the Millennium Stadium ahead of Wales’ RBS Six Nations clash with France on Saturday, 15 March.
Today’s session at the Millennium Stadium was the final training opportunity the squad had on Welsh soil before leaving for Dublin to face Ireland at Croke Park to contest the Triple Crown in this season’s Six Nations.
During the session, Gatland was handed a song booklet that will be available to all Welsh fans both this week and next. Booklets will be available from the Cardiff International Airport for travelling fans as part of a WRU initiative to re-ignite the Welsh tradition of singing in the stands. Booklets will also be handed out ahead of the France match outside the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.
Gatland commented: “I’m learning the national anthem and it’s going well.
“I’ve nearly got it but I don’t want to embarrass myself until I have it off the cuff. The songbook’s going to come in very handy for my lessons.”
For more information on Codi Canu please visit the website http://www.s4c.co.uk/codicanu/
Welsh National Anthem
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad,
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r heniaith barhau.
