The party atmosphere took hold in a mixture of music from top rock bands Stereophonics and Feeder, interspersed with humour and emotion from the men who made it happen on the field.
Thousands of supporters joined in the fun as three stages were set up on the Millennium Stadium pitch beneath the closed roof for the celebration. Players and coaches from the Grand Slam squad were joined by representatives from winning divisional teams from across Welsh rugby to accept the applause of the crowd.
Stereophonics lead singer Kelly Jones said: “It was great to play the Millennium Stadium again.
“It is not often we get to see the team because we’re touring and so we have to watch the games on television. It’s nice that someone has taken the time out to throw a party for them.”
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland told the crowd: “For us to see so many people here is just a reminder that we are very much part of the people and we must continue to go out there and work hard for Wales.
“This is just incredible. It is just fantastic to see so many people on such a great day and at such a great event. A day like today is just recognition of how important this sport is to these players and to the nation.”
He also looked forward to the South Africa tour and promised his side would not be bullied by the mighty Springboks. Gatland said: “South Africa is going to be very tough, not just on the High Veld. It’s such a tough country to go to and get a result. I know our boys won’t take a backward step and I’d like to see those South Africans try to bully us!”
But he stayed in the party mood and revealed to the fans how on his first visit to a Welsh pub a local had introduced himself and said: “Hello, Warren, pleased to meet you, I’m one of the three million selectors in Wales.”
Skipper Ryan Jones was interviewed by TV’s Ruth Jones who plays Nessa Jenkins in BBC Three’s award-winning comedy Gavin and Stacey. She raised a laugh by asking him searching non rugby questions about using moisturiser and what is was like to be voted the sexiest man in Wales.
There were also songs from X Factor’s Rhydian Roberts, Heather Small and Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan.
Grant Nicolas, the lead singer of Feeder, said after the concert: “The team have done a fantastic job this year and just for us to appear at the stadium is a huge honour.
“We even got to use the Wales team dressing room which is pretty special so tell the boys we’ve left them a couple of bottles of Champagne behind the showers.”
Tickets for the Bank Holiday Monday event were distributed free through the 241 rugby clubs of Wales so that followers of the game got first call on the chance to play centre stage at the event.
The crowd watched big screen footage of Wales in action during the Grand Slam season and saw a special preview of the rugby they can expect to face in South Africa.
But nobody need miss out because an hour long special TV programme of the event is being screened on the national broadcaster S4C on Thursday, 29 May at 8.25pm and again on Sunday, 1 June at 7.30pm.
