We caught a glimpse of how hard the players are training in Fiesch, Switzerland, depicting the exhausting lengths Wales are going to in order to be ready for the big show in Japan this September.
Speaking of Japan, Wales’ already extensive engagement programme in the country is being increased to accommodate two World Cup host cities, Oita and Kumamoto. The WRU’s Rhys Williams, who was in Japan last week, said they had been “blown away by the level of support and engagement in Kitakyushu,” inspiring them to spread the message of Welsh rugby even further.
Wales back Hallam Amos celebrated his graduation at 2222m above sea level. It would have been a bittersweet moment for Amos – who achieved an impressive First Class Degree in Neuroscience (BSc) – when he realised he would be missing the celebrations at Cardiff University due to Wales’ training camp in Switzerland. Thankfully, his teammates were on hand to make sure it was a memorable occasion nonetheless.
If you thought 2222m above sea level was high, the Wales squad took things even higher with their ascent of the famous Eggishorn – near enough 3000m above sea level. That’s slightly taller than 1477 Adam Beards.
Whilst Wales are being put through their paces in the mythical landscape of the Bernese Alps, we saw how clubs up and down the country were preparing for the new season in a piece entitled #PreseasonProgress. From Fiesch to Fall Bay, we’re all in this together…
The Under Armour Summer Series match against England sold out this week, and then came the news that, with Ireland also coming to Cardiff a week later, Wales look set to break new records for matches played in the city in preparation for a Rugby World Cup.
With new candidates being sought for key positions on the Welsh Rugby Union Council, chairman Gareth Davies said “We have made no secret of the fact we want to ‘kick the habit’ in terms of the skillset, background, age and gender of a traditional WRU Board member.” Nominations close on 5th August.
Among the many Wales fans who have rocked up at the squad’s training pitch in Fiesch was a man who has watched the team play from some of the most far-flung and dangerous countries in the world. Roland Evans, originally from Cowbridge, made a six-hour round trip to finally watch the players in person.
The remaining tickets for Wales v Ireland on Saturday 31st August are priced from £40 (£10 U16s tickets have been available across more than half the seats in the ground) and are still available here.