Wales national rugby union team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Wales

Emblem	Three feathers
Union	Welsh Rugby Union
Head coach	Warren Gatland
Captain	Dewi Lake
Most caps	Alun Wyn Jones (158)
Top scorer	Neil Jenkins (1,049)
Top try scorer	Shane Williams (58)
Home stadium	Millennium Stadium
First colours Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current	11 (as of 17 November 2024)
Highest	1 (2019)
Lowest	11 (2024)
First international
England 8–0 Wales (Blackheath, England; 19 February 1881)
Biggest win
Wales 98–0 Japan  (Cardiff, Wales; 26 November 2004)
Biggest defeat
South Africa 96–13 Wales (Pretoria, South Africa; 27 June 1998)
World Cup
Appearances	10 (First in 1987)
Best result	Third place (1987)
Website	www.wru.wales

The Wales national rugby union team (Tîm rygbi'r undeb cenedlaethol Cymru) plays for Wales in international rugby union. The team is managed by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). This group was started in 1881. In the same year, Wales played their first international match against England. The team plays its home games at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This stadium is also known as the Principality Stadium. It became the national stadium in 1999, taking over from Cardiff Arms Park.

Wales plays every year in the Six Nations Championship. This tournament used to be called the Home Nations Championship and Five Nations Championship. It started in 1883. Wales has won the tournament 28 times, most recently in 2021. Since the Six Nations began in 2000, Wales has won six titles. This includes four Grand Slams, where they win all their games. Wales has also played in every Rugby World Cup since it started in 1987. They finished third in the first tournament. They also reached the semi-finals in 2011 and 2019. Wales hosted the 1999 Rugby World Cup, with some games played in other countries.

Wales had a "golden age" between 1900 and 1911. They first played New Zealand in 1905. They famously won 3–0 in a match known as the "Game of the Century." From 1907 to 1910, they won 11 games in a row. This was a record for over 100 years. After a tough time between the World Wars, Wales had another "golden age" from 1969 to 1980. During this time, they won eight Five Nations Championships. Besides their Six Nations wins, Wales also finished fourth in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup. In 2019, Wales won 14 games in a row. They also reached number 1 in the World Rugby Rankings for the first time. Many former Welsh players are in the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

History of Welsh Rugby

Early Days and First Success (1881–1913)

Rugby union began in Wales in 1850. Reverend Rowland Williams brought the sport to St David's College in Lampeter. Wales played their first international game on February 19, 1881. They lost to England by a lot (82–0 in today's scoring). On March 12, 1881, the Welsh Rugby Union was formed. Two years later, the Home Nations Championship started. Wales didn't win any games at first.

However, Welsh rugby got better. By the 1890s, Wales used a new playing style. They used "four three-quarters," meaning more players in the backline. This changed the sport and was copied by many other teams. With this new style, Wales won the Home Nations Championship for the first time in 1893. They also won the Triple Crown that year, by beating all other Home Nations.

The 1895 Wales team before playing England.

Wales won the Championship again in 1900. This started their first "golden age" of rugby, which lasted until 1911. They won two more Triple Crowns in 1902 and 1905. In 1906, Wales won the Home Nations Championship again. They also played South Africa for the first time but lost 11–0. Two years later, in 1908, Wales beat the touring Australians 9–6.

In 1909, Wales won the Home Nations Championship. In 1910, France joined, and the tournament became the Five Nations. Wales won the first Five Nations Grand Slam in 1911. This meant they won all their games. It took almost 40 years for them to win another Grand Slam. Rugby was stopped during the First World War.

The "Game of the Century"

A scrum in the Wales victory over New Zealand's Original All Blacks in 1905.

In 1905, Wales played New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park. Wales had not lost a home game since 1899. The New Zealand team, called The Original All Blacks, was visiting the British Isles for the first time. They had not lost any games on their tour so far.

Before the match, New Zealand performed a haka. This is a traditional Māori dance. The crowd of 47,000 people sang the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ("Land of My Fathers"). This was the first time a national anthem was sung before a sports event. Wales' wing Teddy Morgan scored a try, giving Wales a 3–0 lead. New Zealand claimed to have scored a try, but the referee did not allow it. Wales won the game 3–0. This was New Zealand's only loss on their 35-game tour.

After the Wars (1920–1968)

Wales playing France during the 1922 Five Nations Championship.

After the First World War, Welsh rugby had a tough time. Many people left Wales to find work, including rugby players who joined professional rugby league teams. In the 1920s, Wales won only 17 of their 42 matches. Between 1923 and 1928, they won only seven games, mostly against France. In 1928, France even beat Wales for the first time.

Things got better in the 1930s. In 1931, Wales won their first championship in nine years. In 1933, Wales beat England at Twickenham. In 1935, Wales beat the touring New Zealand team 13–12. The Five Nations Championship was stopped during the Second World War.

After the Second World War, the Five Nations started again in 1947. Wales shared the title with England. In 1950, Wales won their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1911. They won another Grand Slam in 1952. In 1953, they beat New Zealand 13–8. In 1954, Cardiff Arms Park became the main home for the Welsh team. Wales won the Five Nations again in 1956.

Wales playing Argentina in September 1968.

Wales went on their first overseas tour in 1964 to South Africa. They lost badly, 24–3. This led to changes in how Wales coached its players. In 1967, Ray Williams became the Coaching Organiser. David Nash was the first national coach in 1967. The WRU eventually allowed coaches to travel with the team.

Second "Golden Age" (1969–1979)

Wales had another "golden age" in the 1970s. They had amazing players like Gareth Edwards, J. P. R. Williams, and Gerald Davies. Wales was very strong in Northern Hemisphere rugby from 1969 to 1979. They lost only seven games during this time. In 1969, Wales toured New Zealand for the first time but lost both matches.

In 1970, Wales shared the Five Nations title with France. In 1971, Wales won their first Five Nations Grand Slam since 1952. They used only 16 players in four games. A famous moment was when John Taylor kicked a difficult conversion to win against Scotland 19–18. Many Welsh players joined the British Lions team that year. This Lions team was the only one to win a series against New Zealand.

In 1972, Wales and Scotland refused to play in Ireland because of threats. The Championship was not finished that year. In 1975, Wales won the Five Nations again. In 1976, Wales won their second Grand Slam of the decade. They did it again in 1978, becoming the first team to win three Triple Crowns in a row. After 1978, Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards, two legendary players, retired.

In November 1978, Wales lost to New Zealand 13–12 in a controversial game. A New Zealand player, Andy Haden, admitted to diving to get a penalty. Wales then won the 1979 Five Nations with a Triple Crown.

Tough Times and Changes (1980–2003)

New Zealander Graham Henry coached Wales to their first win over South Africa in 1999.

The 1980s were difficult for Welsh rugby. In 1980, Wales lost to New Zealand 23–3. In 1983, they almost lost to Japan, winning 29–24. In 1984, Australia beat Wales 28–9.

Wales won only one game in the 1987 Five Nations. But they did well in the first Rugby World Cup. They beat Ireland and England, then lost to New Zealand. They finished third by beating Australia. In 1988, Wales won the Triple Crown again. However, many Welsh players left to play rugby league after heavy losses to New Zealand.

Welsh rugby had its worst period in 1990. Wales lost all four of their Five Nations matches for the first time. In the 1991 World Cup, Wales lost to Samoa and Australia, getting knocked out early.

After winning the Championship in 1994, Wales struggled again. They lost all their matches in the 1995 Five Nations Championship. In the 1995 World Cup, Wales lost to New Zealand and Ireland, failing to get past the group stage. Kevin Bowring became Wales' first full-time coach.

Wales suffered huge defeats, 51–0 to France and 96–13 to South Africa. This led to Graham Henry from New Zealand becoming coach in 1998. Henry had early success, leading Wales to 10 wins in a row. This included Wales' first win over South Africa, 29–19, at the new Millennium Stadium. Henry was called "the Great Redeemer" by fans. Wales hosted the 1999 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals. They lost to Australia, who won the tournament. Henry resigned in 2002 after a lack of success in the Six Nations. His assistant, Steve Hansen, took over.

In 2003, Wales changed its domestic rugby structure. Regional teams were created as the top level of professional rugby. At the 2003 World Cup, Wales scored four tries against New Zealand but lost. They then lost to England, who won the tournament, in the quarter-finals.

New Success and Coaching Changes (2004–Present)

Michael Owen takes a line-out.

Under coach Mike Ruddock, Wales won their first Grand Slam since 1978 in the 2005. A late penalty kick by Gavin Henson helped them beat England in Cardiff for the first time in 12 years. After beating Italy, France, and Scotland, they faced Ireland. Wales won 32–20, winning their first Championship since 1994. Later that year, they lost badly to New Zealand, 41–3.

Ruddock resigned in 2006. Gareth Jenkins became the new coach. Jenkins led Wales in the 2007 World Cup. They lost to Fiji 38–34 and did not get past the group stage. Jenkins lost his job, and Warren Gatland from New Zealand became the new coach.

The Gatland Era (2008–2019)

Warren Gatland coached the team from 2008–2019.

In Gatland's first game as coach in the 2008 Six Nations, Wales beat England at Twickenham for the first time since 1988. They won all their matches in the Championship, winning another Grand Slam. Later that year, Wales beat Australia 21–18. However, they then had a six-year losing streak against Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

At the 2011 World Cup, Wales reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. They lost 9–8 to France after their captain Sam Warburton was sent off. In March 2012, Wales beat France again, 16–9, to win their third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years. After an eight-game losing streak, Wales won the 2013 Six Nations. Wales reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup but lost to South Africa. Wales also won their fourth Grand Slam in 14 years in the 2019 Six Nations.

Wales reached the top spot in the World Rugby Rankings in August 2019. They won all their group matches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. They reached the semi-finals but lost to South Africa. Wales finished fourth after losing to New Zealand in the bronze final.

Recent Years (2019–Present)

Wayne Pivac took over as coach after the 2019 World Cup. In the 2020 Six Nations, Wales won only two games. In 2021, Wales won their fourth Six Nations title of the decade. They almost won the Grand Slam but lost to France in the final match. That autumn, Wales lost to New Zealand and South Africa but beat Fiji and Australia.

Wales finished fifth in the 2022 Six Nations Championship, with only one win against Scotland. They lost to Italy 22–21, their first home loss to Italy ever. Later that summer, Wales toured South Africa. They won their first ever game on South African soil, 13–12, but lost the series 2–1.

On December 5, 2022, Warren Gatland was reappointed as head coach. His contract is until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with a chance to extend it. In November 2024, Wales lost to Fiji 24-19. This was their tenth loss in a row, matching a record from 2002-2003. It was also their first home loss to Fiji. A week later, they lost 52-20 to Australia, setting a new record of eleven straight defeats.

Team Kit

Wales plays in red jerseys, white (or sometimes black) shorts, and red socks. For the 2015–16 season, gold was added to the jersey design. The jerseys have the WRU logo, which is based on the Prince of Wales's feathers. The original motto was Ich dien (German for I serve), but now it says WRU.

Wales's alternate kit (change strip) is black with yellow parts. This is inspired by the Flag of Saint David. In the past, Wales has worn black, navy, white, yellow, grey, and green kits. In 2005, Wales wore black jerseys to celebrate the WRU's 125th anniversary. This was the first time they didn't wear red against a main rival.

Over the years, different companies have made Wales' kits. Cotton Traders made them from 1992, then Reebok from 1996. The first jersey sponsor was Redstone Telecoms in 2000. Later sponsors included Rockport and Brains Brewery. Because of rules in France about alcohol advertising, "Brains" was changed to "Brawn" or "Brawn Again" for games there.

In 2008, Under Armour became the kit maker. Admiral insurance became the main shirt sponsor in 2010. In 2017, Isuzu took over as the main sponsor for home shirts. In 2020, Macron became the new kit supplier. In 2021, Cazoo became the shirt sponsor. In 2023, Vodafone replaced Cazoo. Also, Go.Compare became the first sponsor on the back of the shirt. Player names also returned to the back of the shirts.

Team Support

Rugby union and the national team are very important in Welsh culture. Many people say that "rugby is characteristically Welsh." Rugby helped build Wales' modern identity. Welsh fans have a long tradition of singing before and during matches. They often sing hymns like Cwm Rhondda, and popular songs like Tom Jones' Delilah.

Home Stadiums

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, where Wales play their home games.

Wales' first home international game was in 1882 at St Helen's Ground in Swansea. In the early days, games were played in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Llanelli. Swansea was used until 1954. After that, Cardiff Arms Park became the main home ground. The Arms Park grew over time, and in 1902, a record 40,000 people watched Wales play Scotland.

The National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park.

By 1958, the WRU decided a new national stadium was needed because the Arms Park often flooded. A new stadium, called the National Stadium, was built and opened in 1970.

Since 1999, Wales has played all its home games at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This stadium holds 74,500 people. Building the Millennium Stadium started in 1997 and finished in 1999, just in time for the Rugby World Cup. It cost £126 million. While the new stadium was being built, Wales played their home games at the old Wembley Stadium in London.

Team Records

Six Nations Championship

Wales plays in the Six Nations Championship every year against England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. Wales first won this tournament in 1893, also winning the Triple Crown. Wales has won the tournament 28 times and shared the win 12 other times. Their longest wait between championships was 11 years (1994–2005). Wales won their first Grand Slam in 1908. Their first Six Nations Grand Slam was in 2005. Their most recent Grand Slam was in 2019. In 2024, Wales finished last, getting the "wooden spoon" for the first time in 21 years.

Rugby World Cup

A scrum between Wales and Australia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Wales has played in every Rugby World Cup since it started in 1987.

The 1987 tournament was Wales' best. They won all their group games and their quarter-final. They lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals but beat Australia to finish third.

In 1991 and 1995, Wales did not get past the group stage. They won only one game in each tournament. In 1991, they were the first host nation not to make it out of the group stage.

In 1999 and 2003, Wales reached the quarter-finals. In 1999, Wales hosted the event and won their group but lost to Australia in the quarter-finals. In 2003, they finished second in their group and lost to England, who won the tournament, in the quarter-finals.

In the 2007 World Cup, Wales again failed to get past the group stage. They lost to Fiji in a close game, 38–34, which knocked them out.

At the 2011 World Cup, Wales reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. They lost to France 9–8. Their captain, Sam Warburton, was sent off early in the game.

At the 2015 World Cup, Wales finished second in their group, ahead of hosts England. They lost to South Africa in the quarter-finals.

In the 2019 World Cup, Wales won all their group matches. They beat France in the quarter-finals but lost to South Africa in the semi-finals.

In the 2023 World Cup, Wales won all their group matches again. They lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Rugby World Cup record											Qualification
Year	Round	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	Squad	Head coach		Pos	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA
1987	Third place	6	5	0	1	126	104	Squad	T. Gray		Invited
1991	Pool stage	3	1	0	2	32	61	Squad	A. Davies		Automatically qualified
1995	Pool stage	3	1	0	2	89	68	Squad	A. Evans		1st	4	4	0	0	156	11
1999	Quarter-finals	4	2	0	2	127	95	Squad	G. Henry		Automatically qualified
2003	Quarter-finals	5	3	0	2	149	126	Squad	S. Hansen		Automatically qualified
2007	Pool stage	4	2	0	2	168	105	Squad	G. Jenkins		Automatically qualified
2011	Fourth place	7	4	0	3	228	74	Squad	W. Gatland		Automatically qualified
2015	Quarter-finals	5	3	0	2	130	85	Squad	W. Gatland		Automatically qualified
2019	Fourth place	7	5	0	2	189	147	Squad	W. Gatland		Automatically qualified
2023	Quarter-finals	5	4	0	1	160	88	Squad	W. Gatland		Automatically qualified
Total	—	49	30	0	19	1398	953	—	—		—	4	4	0	0	156	11
Champions       Runners-up       Third place       Fourth place Home venue

Overall Performance

Men's World Rugby Rankings
Top 20 rankings as of 12 July, 2021
Rank	Change*	Team	Points
1		South Africa	094.20
2		New Zealand	088.95
3		England	085.44
4		Ireland	084.85
5	2	Australia	083.90
6	1	France	083.45
7	1	Wales	082.82
8		Scotland	082.02
9		Argentina	080.92
10		Japan	079.13
11		Fiji	076.87
12		Georgia	073.73
13	1	Samoa	071.88
14	1	Italy	070.65
15	2	Tonga	070.28
16		United States	068.10
17		Uruguay	067.02
18		Romania	066.22
19		Spain	064.82
20	1	Portugal	063.90
21	1	Russia	062.71
22		Hong Kong	061.23
23		Canada	061.11
24		Netherlands	059.30
25		Namibia	059.04
26		Brazil	056.32
27		Belgium	056.16
28	1	Chile	055.20
28	1	Switzerland	054.12
30		Germany	053.13
*Change from the previous week
Wales's historical rankings
Source: World Rugby - Graph updated to 19 July 2021

When the World Rugby Rankings started in 2003, Wales was ranked 8th. They reached 5th after their Grand Slam win in 2005. After another Grand Slam in 2008, they moved to 6th. They reached 4th in 2009 and again after the 2011 World Cup. Wales has mostly stayed in the top six teams. They reached 2nd place during the 2015 World Cup. On August 19, 2019, they reached the top spot (1st) for the first time.

Wales has won 406 of their 797 Test matches. Their biggest loss was 96–13 to South Africa in 1998. Their biggest win was 98–0 against Japan in 2004. They scored 16 tries against Portugal in 1994, which is their record for most tries in a game. Wales' record for winning games in a row is 14. Their record for losing games in a row is 12.

Here is a summary of Wales' international rugby matches up to November 23, 2024:

Opponent	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Win %	PF	PA	+/−
Argentina	22	14	7	1	63.64%	573	487	+86
Australia	49	14	34	1	28.57%	830	1,190	−360
Barbarians	10	4	6	0	40.00%	306	280	+26
Canada	13	12	1	0	92.31%	528	219	+309
England	142	61	69	12	42.96%	1,783	1,926	−143
Fiji	15	12	2	1	80%	447	235	+212
France	104	51	50	3	49.04%	1,622	1,619	+3
Georgia	5	4	1	0	80%	129	52	+77
Ireland	135	70	58	7	51.85%	1,646	1,641	+5
Italy	33	28	4	1	84.85%	1,111	524	+587
Japan	10	9	1	0	90.00%	526	159	+367
Namibia	4	4	0	0	100.00%	171	69	+102
New Zealand	37	3	34	0	8.11%	430	1,219	−789
New Zealand Natives	1	1	0	0	100.00%	1G	0G	+1G
New Zealand Services	1	0	1	0	0.00%	3	6	−3
Pacific Islanders	1	1	0	0	100.00%	38	20	+18
Portugal	2	2	0	0	100.00%	130	19	+111
Romania	8	6	2	0	75.00%	342	96	+246
Samoa	10	6	4	0	60.00%	235	180	+55
Scotland	130	75	52	3	57.69%	1,811	1,435	+376
South Africa	43	7	35	1	16.28%	683	1,157	−474
Spain	1	1	0	0	100.00%	54	0	+54
Tonga	9	9	0	0	100.00%	301	108	+193
United States	7	7	0	0	100.00%	305	86	+219
Uruguay	2	2	0	0	100.00%	89	22	+67
Zimbabwe	3	3	0	0	100.00%	126	38	+88
Total	797	406	360	30	50.94%	14,219	12,789	+1,430

Players

Current Team Squad

On October 21, 2024, Warren Gatland announced the 35 players for the Autumn Nations Series.

On October 30, Teddy Williams joined the team because Ben Carter was injured.

Head coach: Warren Gatland

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Elias, RyanRyan Elias	Hooker	(1995-01-07) 7 January 1995 (age 30)	44	Scarlets
Lake, DewiDewi Lake	Hooker	(1999-05-16) 16 May 1999 (age 26)	18	Ospreys
Lloyd, EvanEvan Lloyd	Hooker	(2001-12-28) 28 December 2001 (age 23)	5	Cardiff
Assiratti, KeironKeiron Assiratti	Prop	(1997-06-30) 30 June 1997 (age 28)	10	Cardiff
Griffin, ArchieArchie Griffin	Prop	(2001-07-24) 24 July 2001 (age 23)	6	Bath
Mathias, KemsleyKemsley Mathias	Prop	(1999-07-29) 29 July 1999 (age 25)	5	Scarlets
Smith, NickyNicky Smith	Prop	(1994-04-07) 7 April 1994 (age 31)	48	Leicester Tigers
Thomas, GarethGareth Thomas	Prop	(1993-08-02) 2 August 1993 (age 31)	35	Ospreys
Thomas, HenryHenry Thomas	Prop	(1991-10-30) 30 October 1991 (age 33)	4	Scarlets
Beard, AdamAdam Beard	Lock	(1996-01-07) 7 January 1996 (age 29)	59	Ospreys
Williams, TeddyTeddy Williams	Lock	(2000-10-18) 18 October 2000 (age 24)	2	Cardiff
Rowlands, WillWill Rowlands	Lock	(1991-09-19) 19 September 1991 (age 33)	36	Racing 92
Thomas, FreddieFreddie Thomas	Lock	(2001-11-09) 9 November 2001 (age 23)	1	Gloucester
Botham, JamesJames Botham	Back row	(1998-02-22) 22 February 1998 (age 27)	16	Cardiff
Morgan, JacJac Morgan	Back row	(2000-01-21) 21 January 2000 (age 25)	18	Ospreys
Plumtree, TaineTaine Plumtree	Back row	(2000-03-09) 9 March 2000 (age 25)	7	Scarlets
Reffell, TommyTommy Reffell	Back row	(1999-04-27) 27 April 1999 (age 26)	23	Leicester Tigers
Tshiunza, ChristChrist Tshiunza	Back row	(2002-01-09) 9 January 2002 (age 23)	15	Exeter Chiefs
Wainwright, AaronAaron Wainwright	Back row	(1997-09-25) 25 September 1997 (age 27)	52	Dragons
Bevan, EllisEllis Bevan	Scrum-half	(2000-03-10) 10 March 2000 (age 25)	6	Cardiff
Williams, RhodriRhodri Williams	Scrum-half	(1993-05-05) 5 May 1993 (age 32)	5	Dragons
Williams, TomosTomos Williams	Scrum-half	(1995-01-01) 1 January 1995 (age 30)	60	Gloucester
Anscombe, GarethGareth Anscombe	Fly-half	(1991-05-10) 10 May 1991 (age 34)	39	Gloucester
Costelow, SamSam Costelow	Fly-half	(2001-10-01) 1 October 2001 (age 23)	18	Scarlets
Grady, MasonMason Grady	Centre	(2002-03-29) 29 March 2002 (age 23)	15	Cardiff
James, EddieEddie James	Centre	(2002-08-10) 10 August 2002 (age 22)	3	Scarlets
Llewellyn, MaxMax Llewellyn	Centre	(1999-01-13) 13 January 1999 (age 26)	4	Gloucester
Thomas, BenBen Thomas	Centre	(1998-11-25) 25 November 1998 (age 26)	7	Cardiff
Tompkins, NickNick Tompkins	Centre	(1995-02-16) 16 February 1995 (age 30)	38	Saracens
Watkin, OwenOwen Watkin	Centre	(1996-10-12) 12 October 1996 (age 28)	43	Ospreys
Dyer, RioRio Dyer	Wing	(1999-12-21) 21 December 1999 (age 25)	23	Dragons
Hathaway, JoshJosh Hathaway	Wing	(2003-10-19) 19 October 2003 (age 21)	2	Gloucester
Murray, BlairBlair Murray	Wing	(2001-10-09) 9 October 2001 (age 23)	3	Scarlets
Rogers, TomTom Rogers	Wing	(1998-12-17) 17 December 1998 (age 26)	5	Scarlets
Winnett, CameronCameron Winnett	Fullback	(2003-01-07) 7 January 2003 (age 22)	9	Cardiff

Famous Players and Records

Eighteen Welsh players are in the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Shane Williams won the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2008.

Neil Jenkins was the first rugby player to score over 1000 Test points. He holds many Welsh records. He has the most points for Wales (1049). He also has the most successful penalty kicks (248). His 30 points in one Test match is also a Welsh record. Jonathan Davies holds the record for most drop-goals with 13.

Shane Williams is Wales' top try-scorer with 58 tries. He also scored the most tries in Six Nations (22) and Rugby World Cups (10). Colin Charvis scored 22 tries, which is the most for a forward in Wales.

Alun Wyn Jones has played the most games for Wales, with 158 caps. Eight other players have played 100 or more games. Alun Wyn Jones also holds the record for most matches as captain (52). Gareth Edwards played all 53 of his matches for Wales in a row. He is also Wales' youngest captain at 20 years old.

The youngest player to ever play for Wales is Tom Prydie. He made his debut in 2010 at 17 years and 25 days old. He also became Wales' youngest try-scorer in 2010. Winger George North was 18 years and 214 days old when he scored a try on his debut in 2010.

Welsh Sports Hall of Fame Members

Many Welsh rugby players have been honored in the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame:

Award Winners

World Rugby Awards

These Wales players have been recognized at the World Rugby Awards since 2001:

Six Nations Player of the Championship

These Wales players have been nominated for the Six Nations Player of the Championship since 2004:

Coaches

Wales coach Warren Gatland was appointed in 2007. He led Wales to Six Nations Grand Slams in 2008, 2012, and 2019.

After a difficult tour in 1964, the WRU decided to focus on coaching. David Nash became the first national team coach in 1967. The WRU later agreed that coaches should travel with the team. Having a coach helped Wales succeed in the Five Nations during the 1970s.

Coaching History

Wales' head coaches

Name	Nationality	Years	Matches	Won	Drew	Lost	Win %
David Nash	Wales	1967	5	1	1	3	20
Clive Rowlands	Wales	1968–74	29	18	4	7	62
John Dawes	Wales	1974–79	24	18	0	6	75
John Lloyd	Wales	1980–82	14	6	0	8	43
John Bevan	Wales	1982–85	15	7	1	7	47
Tony Gray	Wales	1985–88	24	15	0	9	50
John Ryan	Wales	1988–90	9	2	0	7	22
Ron Waldron	Wales	1990–91	10	2	1	7	20
Alan Davies	Wales	1991–95	35	18	0	17	51
Alex Evans	Australia	1995 (caretaker coach)	4	1	0	3	25
Kevin Bowring	Wales	1995–98	29	15	0	14	52
Dennis John	Wales	1998 (interim coach)	2	1	0	1	50
Graham Henry	New Zealand	1998–2002	34	20	1	13	59
Lynn Howells	Wales	2001 (caretaker coach)	2	2	0	0	100
Steve Hansen	New Zealand	2002–04	29	10	0	19	35
Mike Ruddock	Wales	2004–06	20	13	0	7	65
Scott Johnson	Australia	2006 (interim coach)	3	0	1	2	0
Gareth Jenkins	Wales	2006–07	20	6	1	13	30
Nigel Davies	Wales	2007 (interim coach)	1	0	0	1	0
Warren Gatland	New Zealand	2007–2019, 2022–	133	73	2	58	55
Robin McBryde	Wales	2009, 2013, 2017 (interim coach)	6	5	0	1	83
Rob Howley	Wales	2012–13, 2016–17 (interim coach)	20	10	0	10	50
Wayne Pivac	New Zealand	2019–2022	34	13	1	20	38

Current Coaching Staff

This is the coaching team as of January 17, 2023:

Position	Name	Nationality
Head coach	Warren Gatland	New Zealand
Attack coach	Alex King	England
Defence coach	Mike Forshaw	England
Forwards coach	Jonathan Humphreys	Wales
Kicking coach	Neil Jenkins	Wales
Contact skills coach	Jonathan Thomas	Wales
Head of physical performance	Huw Bennett	Wales
Strength & conditioning coach	Robin Sowden-Taylor	Wales
Head of performance analysis	Rhodri Bown	Wales
Team doctor	Geoff Davies	Wales
Team manager	Martyn Williams	Wales

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See also

• Wales national rugby sevens team
• Welsh Rugby Players Association