It was a season when the world of rugby welcomed Wales back onto the big stage – and Welsh men, woman and children right around the globe puffed out their chests with pride as their team rediscovered ‘the Welsh way’ of playing the game. Welsh fans have become used to Ieuan Evans guiding them through the greatest moments in Welsh rugby history, but now he is involved with telling the greatest story of them all.
Less than a month after those epic scenes at the Millennium Stadium, when Gareth Thomas and Michael Owen collected the RBS 6 Nations trophy after the final victory over Ireland, Wales and Lions legend Ieuan Evans navigates the nation through the mounting story and glory of the most unlikely Grand Slam winners of the professional era.
National coach Mike Ruddock reveals how the plans for the Grand Slam were laid eight months before the tournament started, how he couldn’t watch as Gavin Henson lined up his match winning penalty to beat England and how he targeted Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara for special attention in the deciding game against Ireland.
It not only contains the best of the action from the five thrilling victories over England, Italy, France, Scotland and Ireland, but also contains rare insights from the players and management on how Welsh rugby stole the show at the northern hemisphere’s biggest annual event.
Man of the tournament Martyn Williams, who won his 50th cap against England and then scored two vital tries in the victory in Paris, gives an insight into the dressing room emotions throughout the campaign and there are also interviews with the men who have taken over the mantle of the teams of the seventies as the biggest names in Welsh rugby, Gethin Jenkins, Tom Shanklin, Rob Sidoli, Stephen Jones and the master of style and cool, Gavin Henson.
Ruddock gave his players a ‘Licence to Thrill’ during the championship and they responded in impressive style. By watching the ‘Year of the Dragon’ you can see how:
* Wales beat England in Cardiff for the first time in 12 years
* Wales notched a Welsh record 17 tries throughout the championship, including six in Italy and six in Scotland
* Wales scored the highest number of points, 46, against the Scots in the 118 year history of the fixture
* Beat the reigning Grand Slam champions France at Stade de France for the third time in four attempts
* Ended a 22 year wait for a home win over Ireland
* Wales became the first team in Six Nations history to achieve the Grand Slam with three away matches
This is the Official DVD produced by Empire Media and distributed by Spirit Entertainment on behalf of the RBS 6 Nations and WRU will be available throughout the UK at a RRP of £19.99. Advance orders from all retailers have been extremely high and there is considerable interest in the product – a ‘must-have’ for every Welsh Collection!
Buy you copy now online.
