Often a symbol associated with the national side, sometimes directly with the use of the nickname the ‘Welsh Dragons’, and certainly an integral part of imagery of the nation itself, the mythical creature has recently been embraced by the WRU in the form of its new mascot – Scorch.
And it is Scorch who has been chosen to headline match-day and lead the charge as Wales look to build on their successful outing against Argentina last Saturday by toppling the tough tackling South Sea Islanders in round three of the Autumn series of matches.
Programmes, in recent years, have featured potential match winners on their covers or players of significant standing in the national squad – with last week’s edition for the clash with the Pumas, for example, allowing new centurian Gethin Jenkins pride of place on its front cover as he reached the significant milestone of 100 caps for Wales.
However, whilst Scorch has displaced the notion of Wales’ heroes being used to encourage fans to pick up a programme on this occasion – largely due to his appeal to the expected young audience taking advantage of the family friendly prices for the fixture – the contents of the day’s official ‘guidebook’ remain a detailed testimony to the rugby talent on display.
Interviews with James Hook, Ian Evans and – of course – our very own ‘Welsh-Tongan’ Toby Faletau fill its pages.
Faletau talks in depth about his formative years arriving in Wales at 7-years-old as the son of the legendary Tongan international and Ebbw Vale stalwart Kuli, and growing up in a house a stone’s throw from Eugene Cross Park.
“I never thought I would be here, but here I am, and I’m determined to make the most of it,” says Faletau.
Both his mother and father give a unique and fascinating insight into the quiet 28-times capped Newport Gwent Dragons and British and Irish Lions back row.
Elsewhere, James Hook talks in depth about his continuing ambitions with Wales, life at home with his young son Harrison and wife Kim and at 28-years-old, with 72 caps his maturity as a rugby player.
“All I’m going to do is work hard in training and grab any opportunity with Wales that comes my way,” says Hook.
Ospreys lock Ian Evans, whose interview is in the medium of Welsh, also talks about the balance of his home life and the life of a professional sportsman – with special reason to as his wife Angharad is in the advanced stages of pregnancy with his first child.
“I think you would probably see me doing a sharp exit through the tunnel, I think!” says Evans, who is hoping the patter of tiny feet doesn’t arrive until the due date, next Tuesday.
“She [Evans’ wife] has been very understanding, to be fair. She has been fully supportive in everything I wanted to do, but …It’s a life-changing experience.
And of the opportunity to try to reclaim a starting spot for Wales with a performance against Tonga he adds:
“It has been very frustrating, but I’m looking forward to playing again, I’ve got a chance for a game of rugby, which is quite strange at the minute, but one I am looking forward to.”
All the usual regular features on the opposition, team news, biographies and match stats plus an interview with Warren Gatland on the occasion of his 100th game in charge at international level are also included in the programme alongside further appearances from Scorch on his child friendly page and details of the winners of the competition to write the next instalment of his graphic novel.
