The narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ – or ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil in English translation – was presented to Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland and WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis just in time for the annual St David’s Day celebrations.
The RHS has chosen a breed of daffodil which was 15 years in development and is described as ‘straight with an abundance of stamina’ to celebrate the team’s recent successes and the nation’s passion for rugby.
WRU Audio: WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis talks about the Undeb Rygbi Cymru daffodil
WRU Audio: RHS Shows Director Stephen Bennett explains the background to the new daffodil
The bloom will be officially unveiled to the public at the flagship RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff on 18th-20th April this year, but WRU and team members were treated to a sneak preview at their team base in the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel as they prepare for the next leg of their RBS Six Nations campaign against Ireland.
The ‘URC’ daffodil was developed by leading specialist Ron Scamp and visitors to his display at the Cardiff Show will be amongst the first to view, and be able to purchase, the fine specimen.
“The daffodil has long been a national emblem of Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union knows all about the importance of history and tradition to our national game,” said Mr Lewis. “Proud men and women have been representing our country in international competition for over 125 years and the current crop of senior players has made us proud once again on many occasions during their present RBS Six Nations campaign.
“The daffodil is both a fitting and timely gift and something that can now be a proud partner to our national game for posterity.”
RHS Shows Director, Stephen Bennett, said: “Ron Scamp is one of the world’s leading daffodil growers and the ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil is a sturdy, stunning specimen with lots of stamina, just perfect for the phenomenal Welsh rugby team.
“We’re passionate about plants and the RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff and there is huge passion for rugby in Wales so we’re sure the flower will be a winning set piece for plant and rugby lovers alike!”
This year will see the RHS returning to Bute Park at Cardiff for the fourth time. The show brings together the very best in Welsh horticulture and kick starts the gardening year. To find out more about Narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ and to place orders to purchase bulbs visit Ron Scamp’s website at www.qualitydaffodils.com.
Picture: WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis watches over the newly named ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ Daffodil set to be planted in the four corners of the Millennium Stadium pitch in time for Wales’s home RBS Six Nations clash with France in the final game of the 2008 campaign later this month, Saturday 15th March 2008. This new breed of daffodil was named in the WRU’s honour by the Royal Horticultural society and plans are now in place for the flower, which is the national emblem of Wales, to take its rightful place on the edge of the Millennium Stadium field for posterity.
