Rugby. A technical, brutal game of passion. To win, a team must ensure a ball is touched down behind a line as many times as possible, or if they fancy it, kicked over a massive H-shaped post. Rugby is adored by many, but no one loves rugby like the Welsh, but why?
Rugby was introduced to Wales in the 1800s and has been played ever since. The 1800s were a time of great struggle for many in Wales, due to poverty and ill-health. For working class men who spent most of their days in the darkness of mining pits, rugby became an escape, a source of pride and a symbol of community. While football dominated England, the Welsh loved rugby because it expressed national identity and contradicted the game of football, with rugby in this era being pretty much rule-less.
The game itself offers many great things, creating an environment where fans and players can get together and belong. Welsh fans are crazy about the game and dedicated to both watching the matches and learning the songs. It is no hidden fact that Wales is the ‘Land of Song’, and rugby matches give the Welsh an opportunity to sing about their pride and history. Popular songs include, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (the national anthem), which sings about Welsh pride and loyalty, Cwm Rhondda (otherwise known as ‘Bread of Heaven’), which is a Welsh Christian hymn, and controversially, Tom Jones’ Delilah, banned from being sung at rugby games due to its violent lyrics, however still considered a Welsh rugby banger.
The Principality Stadium is a breathtakingly beautiful stadium, with its vast arena space and the atmosphere it provides on match days. Although, even on a non-match day when you could hear a pin drop, the stadium’s appearance alone is enough to send goosebumps up your body. It has been home to many music concerts as well, including The Eras Tour, Taylor Swift’s worldwide tour. The stadium is truly a part of the rugby experience, either a Welsh native, or a uni student that has tri student that has travelled far, the experience never gets old.
So, how have students impacted Welsh rugby culture? University students in Wales, especially those who study at Cardiff University and Cardiff Met, can often be found with a pint in hand (most likely a fruity cider), passionately cheering on the teams in play. Rugby comes as a tradition to many Welsh students in Welsh universities, being all they have known and watched growing up. Through easily accessible tickets and amazing discounts available for students, you could snag a ticket for as cheap as £12.50. It’s a no-brainer to watch a match.
It is also through local rivalries of towns, schools and even universities that further fire the popularity of rugby for everyone, including fans and students. Cardiff Uni, Cardiff Met and Swansea Uni have their own rivalries when it comes to sport, but nothing tops the rugby. Through Welsh Varsity, Swansea and Cardiff Uni go head-to-head in all sports, highly competitive for both the fans who support their uni and the players striving for victory. The primary goal is to see which Welsh uni comes out on top, although heavy-drinking and rage-baiting the other team is also somewhat a tradition.
Cardiff University has many opportunities for people who want to partake in rugby whilst studying, including scholarships for those who want to seriously pursue the sport. Cardiff Uni has both a men’s and a women’s team, who do exceptionally well when it comes to staying at the top of league tables. Both have a rich society culture, and allowing team members to join YOLO celebrations and other events ensures that the traditions of Welsh rugby banter within societies is kept alive. All tournament games are also shown in the Taf, giving Cardiff Uni students the chance to go and (hopefully) cheer on Wales.
Students play a significant role when it comes to keeping Welsh rugby culture alive. Whether it’s by funding the WRU, through the buying of countless drinks and burgers at the stadium, participating in the sport itself while on Welsh fields, or even just calling the flatmates into the living room when the game is on. University students keep the magic and passion of the game going for further generations. For me personally, as a Welsh Cardiff University student, born down the road in Newport, sharing my proud culture and introducing it to my non-Welsh uni friends is something I really love. Whether you’re a local, or a university student miles from home, it is guaranteed that the sense of community felt from Welsh rugby will make you feel that little bit of belonging, because no one does it quite like the Welsh.
Words by Gracie Bradley
