Wales captain Ryan Jones and members of the Wales rugby team have pledged their support for Armed Forces Day which is taking place in Cardiff tomorrow (Saturday 26 June).

Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to show support for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, which includes serving personnel and their families, veterans and the Cadet Forces.

The day aims to raise awareness of and support for the Armed Forces community and highlight the outstanding contribution they make to this country.

Members of the Wales team to face New Zealand tomorrow took time to show their support Armed Forces Day by sending a photo and supportive video messages back to Wales this week. Jones said: “We have the utmost respect for the Armed Forces community and we are extremely grateful for the work our servicemen and women perform for the people of the UK. The Welsh rugby team is proud to support Armed Forces Day and acknowledge the massive contribution Our Boys and Girls make every day both at home and overseas.”

Wales lock Bradley Davies sent one of the video messages via WRU TV (www.wru.co.uk). He said: “We have so much respect and admiration for the forces. With two brothers in the Army, I know from first hand experience what they go through and I’d just like to say that the Wales squad is 100% behind the Armed Forces fighting for our country.”

Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop, Mike Phillips and Wales team manager Alan Phillips also sent video messages.

The Armed Forces Day national event will be held in Cardiff on Saturday 26 June and will include a parade through the city centre, exciting displays in Cardiff Bay and an opportunity for the public to go onboard the frigate HMS KENT.