Few sporting rivalries match the intensity, passion, and history of Wales versus England in rugby union. For over 140 years, these two nations have met on the rugby field in matches that transcend sport and tap into deep wells of national pride, historical tension, and mutual respect. From the crushing humiliation of Wales’s first international match in 1881 to the modern battles at the Principality Stadium, this fixture has produced some of the most memorable moments in rugby history. It is a rivalry that defines careers, shapes championships, and captures the hearts of millions.
The Disastrous Beginning
The story of Wales versus England began on a cold February day in 1881, though Wales would rather forget the details of that first encounter. On 19 February 1881, Wales played their first ever international rugby match against England at Mr Richardson’s Field in Blackheath, London. What followed was not so much a match as a massacre.
The Welsh team had been hastily assembled by Richard Mullock, secretary of Newport Athletics Club, who had lobbied the English Rugby Football Union to arrange the fixture. With no proper Welsh rugby union yet in existence, Mullock faced the difficult task of selecting a team to represent the nation. He chose players for their geographic spread, attempting to appease as many regions of Wales as possible, and for their academic credentials, favoring university educated men who he hoped would bring organization and discipline.
The selection process was far from ideal. The players had never trained together, many had never even met before the match, and several were playing out of their normal positions. There had been no trial match to build understanding or cohesion. The Welsh team was, in essence, a collection of individuals thrown together and asked to represent their country against an experienced English side that had been playing international rugby for a decade.
The match was a catastrophe for Wales. England scored seven goals, six tries, and a dropped goal. Under the scoring system of the time, where only successful conversions and goals counted towards the final score, England won 8 to 0. However, by modern scoring values, the result would have been 82 to 0, one of the heaviest defeats in international rugby history. England scored 13 tries without Wales troubling the scorers even once.
The humiliation was complete and total. George Burton, an English forward, scored four tries in the match, a feat that would stand as a record in this fixture. The Welsh press was scathing in its criticism. Editorials and letters questioned whether Wales was ready for international rugby and debated who was responsible for the debacle. The South Wales Football Union distanced itself from the match, claiming it had been a private enterprise conducted by Mullock.
Yet from this crushing defeat came determination and action. Rather than retreat in shame, Welsh rugby responded with organization and purpose. Less than a month later, on 12 March 1881, eleven clubs met at the Castle Hotel in Neath and formed the Welsh Rugby Football Union. Mullock, the man behind the disastrous first match, was installed as the first honorary secretary and treasurer. The disaster at Blackheath had made clear that Welsh rugby needed proper governance, better organization, and a more systematic approach to international competition.
Building a Rivalry
Wales did not have to wait long for redemption, at least against other opposition. In 1882, they secured their first international victory, defeating Ireland 2 to 0. However, matches against England remained difficult. The English were more experienced, better organized, and physically dominant. Throughout the 1880s and into the 1890s, England won the majority of matches between the two nations, establishing themselves as the dominant force in the fixture.
The early matches between Wales and England were typically played at venues in England, often at Blackheath, which remained the most common location for English home games until 1910. Wales’s home matches were played at various grounds in Wales, including St Helen’s in Swansea, Cardiff Arms Park, Newport, and Llanelli. These matches began to draw large crowds as rugby’s popularity soared in Wales, particularly in the industrial communities of South Wales where the sport became embedded in local culture.
By the 1890s, Wales was developing talented players and beginning to compete more effectively. The Welsh had innovated tactically, developing the four threequarter system that revolutionized attacking play. This formation, using seven backs and eight forwards instead of six backs and nine forwards, gave Wales an extra man in the backline and allowed for more expansive, running rugby. The system proved highly effective, and other nations soon adopted it.
England continued to lead the head to head series until 1907, when the balance began to shift. This was the period of Wales’s first Golden Era, when the country dominated the Home Nations Championship and produced some of the greatest players ever to grace a rugby field. The matches between Wales and England took on greater significance as both nations regularly competed for championships and Grand Slams.
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The 1905 Funeral Card
One of the most famous moments in the Wales versus England rivalry came on 14 January 1905, when Wales defeated England 25 to 0 at Cardiff Arms Park. The victory was stunning in its completeness, with Wales dominating in every aspect of the game. England, who had been one of the stronger sides in the Home Nations, were utterly outclassed by a Welsh team at the peak of their powers.
After the match, Welsh supporters produced a mock funeral card for “Poor Old England.” The card, designed in the style of a Victorian death notice, featured an image of a black funeral carriage and read: “In Loving Memory of Poor Old England, Who was laid to rest at Cardiff, January 14th, 1905.” The card continued with mock condolences and the hope that England might one day rise again “when she once more is in her prime.”
This satirical memento captured the euphoric mood in Wales, where rugby success was becoming intertwined with national identity and pride. The 25 to 0 victory represented not just a sporting triumph but a statement that Wales could dominate their larger, more powerful neighbor on the rugby field. Later that same year, Wales would defeat the All Blacks 3 to 0 in arguably the most famous match in rugby history, cementing 1905 as a glorious year for Welsh rugby.
The funeral card incident illustrates how the Wales versus England fixture had become about more than just rugby. It carried the weight of centuries of complex political and cultural history between the two nations. For Wales, victories over England were particularly sweet, representing moments when a small nation could prove itself equal or superior to the larger power next door.
The Twickenham Bogey
In 1910, England moved their home matches to a new purpose built stadium at Twickenham in London. This magnificent ground quickly became known as the home of English rugby, and Wales found it an extremely difficult place to win. From England’s first match at Twickenham through to 1933, Wales failed to secure a single victory there, losing nine consecutive matches at the ground.
The inability to win at Twickenham became known as the “Twickenham bogey,” a psychological burden that weighed heavily on Welsh teams. Match after match, Wales would travel to London with hopes of breaking the curse, only to return defeated. The streak became a source of frustration and embarrassment for Welsh rugby, particularly as Wales continued to perform well in other matches.
Finally, in 1933, the bogey was broken. Wales traveled to Twickenham and secured a famous 7 to 3 victory, their first ever win at the ground. The success came during a difficult period for Welsh rugby, when the economic depression was ravaging South Wales and the national team was struggling to match the heights of earlier eras. The Twickenham victory therefore meant even more, providing a rare moment of celebration during hard times.
However, winning at Twickenham remained a formidable challenge for Wales throughout the twentieth century. It would not be until 1988 that Wales would win there again, a gap of 55 years. The difficulty of securing victories in England added an extra dimension to the rivalry, making Welsh wins at Twickenham particularly precious and memorable.
The 1970s Dominance
The 1970s represent the most glorious period in Welsh rugby history, and nowhere was Welsh superiority more evident than in matches against England. Between 1969 and 1979, Wales dominated the Five Nations Championship with three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. During this period, Wales assembled what many consider the greatest team ever to represent the nation, featuring legends such as Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Barry John, Phil Bennett, Gerald Davies, and Mervyn Davies.
Against England during this decade, Wales were virtually unbeatable. Of the ten matches played between the two nations in the 1970s, Wales won nine and drew one. They never lost to England during this entire golden period. The dominance was comprehensive and demoralizing for English rugby.
One player particularly embodied Welsh supremacy over England: JPR Williams, the fearless fullback who became a Welsh icon. Williams played in ten test matches against England between 1969 and 1981. His record against the old enemy was perfect: ten matches played, ten matches unbeaten, with nine wins and one draw. Even more remarkably, Williams scored five tries against England, an exceptional tally for a fullback in that era. His attacking prowess, combined with his formidable defensive work and utter fearlessness, made him the symbol of Welsh dominance.
The matches during the 1970s were not just about winning but about the manner of victory. Wales played expansive, entertaining rugby that thrilled crowds and established a style that became synonymous with Welsh rugby. The 1971 Grand Slam team, which defeated England 22 to 6 in Cardiff, is widely regarded as the greatest Welsh side ever assembled. The victory was built on a crucial penalty kicked by JPR Williams and showcased the blend of forward power and backline brilliance that characterized Welsh rugby in this era.
England’s struggles against Wales during the 1970s were a source of deep frustration. Despite having talented players and strong domestic competition, English teams could not match the Welsh. The psychological advantage Wales held was immense. Welsh players expected to beat England, and English players knew they were facing a team in the absolute peak of their powers.
The dominance extended beyond just the Wales versus England matches. When the British and Irish Lions toured New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974, winning both series, the teams were heavily stocked with Welsh players. In 1971, eleven Welshmen were in the victorious test side that beat New Zealand. The Welsh were not just beating England but were the dominant force in northern hemisphere rugby.
JPR Williams’s final match against England came in 1981 at Cardiff Arms Park. Fittingly, he signed off with another victory, Wales winning 21 to 19. His perfect record against England remained intact, a statistical achievement that captures the essence of Welsh supremacy during this period. For an entire generation of English rugby fans, the 1970s represented a dark age when Wales seemed unbeatable and every trip to Cardiff promised defeat.
The Pendulum Swings
After Wales’s dominance in the 1970s, the pendulum gradually swung back towards England. The 1980s and 1990s proved much more difficult for Welsh rugby. Economic changes, the loss of talented players to rugby league, and improved organization in English rugby all contributed to a shift in the balance of power.
Wales continued to lead the overall head to head series into the 1990s, having built up a significant advantage during their golden eras. However, England began winning more regularly, particularly in the 1990s when they developed into a powerful force in world rugby. The rivalry remained intense, but England was now often the favorite going into matches.
The professional era, which began in 1995, brought massive changes to rugby union. England, with a larger population, more money, and well funded professional clubs, adapted more quickly to professionalism than Wales. English clubs in the Premiership became some of the richest and most powerful in world rugby, attracting the best players from around the globe. Wales struggled to compete financially, and the national team suffered as a result.
By the early 2000s, England had become the dominant force in European rugby and one of the best teams in the world. They reached the final of the 1991 Rugby World Cup and the semi finals in 1995. Then, under coach Clive Woodward, England assembled a team capable of winning the ultimate prize. In 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup, defeating Australia in the final thanks to Jonny Wilkinson’s extra time drop goal. English rugby was at its zenith.
The 2005 Renaissance
For Wales, the early 2000s were a difficult period. The national team struggled, coaches came and went, and results were poor. There were heavy defeats and a sense that Welsh rugby had lost its way. Then came 2005, and everything changed.
Under coach Mike Ruddock, Wales entered the Six Nations Championship with modest expectations. However, they opened with an 11 to 9 victory over England at the Millennium Stadium, sealed by a long range penalty from Gavin Henson in the dying moments. The kick was struck with perfect technique and sailed through the posts, sending the capacity crowd into delirium. For Wales, it was their first victory over England in Cardiff in 12 years, breaking a painful run of defeats on home soil.
The victory sparked something in the Welsh team. They defeated Italy 38 to 8, then came back from 15 to 6 down at halftime to beat France 24 to 18 in one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Scotland were dispatched 46 to 22 in Edinburgh, setting up a Grand Slam decider against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. Wales won 32 to 20, securing their first Grand Slam since 1978 and their first championship title since 1994.
The 2005 Grand Slam represented a renaissance for Welsh rugby and reignited the passion of a rugby mad nation. The victory over England had been the catalyst, providing belief and momentum. Welsh fans had endured years of disappointment, watching England dominate and win the World Cup while Wales struggled. The 2005 Grand Slam proved that Welsh rugby was back and could compete with the best.
The Warren Gatland Era
If 2005 represented a revival, the appointment of Warren Gatland as Wales head coach in November 2007 marked the beginning of sustained success. Gatland, a New Zealander who had coached Wasps and Ireland, brought organization, discipline, and tactical acumen that transformed Welsh rugby.
Gatland’s first match as Wales coach came in the 2008 Six Nations Championship at Twickenham against England. Wales had not won at Twickenham since 1988, a gap of 20 years. England were favorites, and they led 13 to 0 at halftime. The match seemed to be following the familiar script of English dominance at their fortress.
Then came one of the great Welsh comebacks. In the second half, Wales fought back with ferocious intensity. Scrum half Mike Phillips scored a crucial try in the 70th minute, charging down a clearance kick and racing to the corner after Gethin Jenkins had gathered the loose ball and passed. Wales completed a remarkable 26 to 19 victory, their first at Twickenham in two decades. The win set the tone for Gatland’s tenure and announced that Wales were genuine contenders.
Wales went on to win all five matches in the 2008 Six Nations, securing the Grand Slam with a 29 to 12 victory over France at the Millennium Stadium ( Principality Stadium Read more here on Is Cardiff Principality Stadium worth Visiting?). Shane Williams scored a record breaking try and was named Player of the Championship. Wales had won their second Grand Slam in four years and established themselves as a consistent force in European rugby.
In 2012, Wales completed their third Grand Slam in eight years, defeating France 16 to 9 at the Millennium Stadium. The Grand Slam equaled the achievement of the famous 1970s team, which had also won three Grand Slams in one decade. Earlier in that championship, Wales had traveled to Twickenham and secured a 19 to 12 victory, demonstrating that they could win in England’s backyard. These modern Welsh sides were proving themselves worthy successors to the legends of the 1970s.
The following year, 2013, brought one of the most emphatic Welsh victories over England in the history of the fixture. England traveled to Cardiff on the final day of the Six Nations Championship knowing that a victory would give them their first Grand Slam in a decade. Wales, who had lost to Ireland in the opening match, could still win the championship on points difference if they beat England convincingly.
Wales produced a devastating performance, dominating England in every facet of the game. The final score was 30 to 3, Wales’s biggest ever victory over England. Wing Alex Cuthbert scored two tries, including a memorable effort in the corner after Sam Warburton’s galloping run and Justin Tipuric’s perfectly timed offload. The Millennium Stadium erupted as Wales clinched the championship, denying England their Grand Slam in spectacular fashion.
The 30 to 3 victory represented more than just a large winning margin. It was a statement that Wales, under Gatland’s coaching, had built a team capable of dismantling England when it mattered most. England had been chasing their first Grand Slam since 2003, and Wales destroyed those dreams emphatically on Welsh soil.
Under Gatland’s leadership, Wales won four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams between 2008 and 2019. They reached the semi finals of the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups and briefly reached number one in the world rankings in 2019. Gatland became the first coach in northern hemisphere rugby history to achieve three Grand Slams, cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in Welsh rugby history.
Memorable Matches and Moments
The Wales versus England fixture has produced countless memorable moments beyond Grand Slams and championships. In 1999, Wales defeated England 32 to 31 in a thrilling match at Wembley Stadium, where Wales were playing home matches while the Millennium Stadium was being built. Scott Gibbs scored a last minute try, and Neil Jenkins kicked the conversion to steal victory. The win denied England the Grand Slam and remains one of the most celebrated Welsh victories.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup provided another dramatic encounter. Wales and England were drawn in the same pool, meaning one would likely be eliminated at the group stage. Playing at Twickenham, Wales led for much of the match before England fought back. The match was decided by a controversial refereeing decision when Wales fullback Liam Williams was penalized for a deliberate knock on, and England kicked the resulting penalty to take the lead. England won 28 to 25, and Wales were subsequently eliminated from the World Cup at the pool stage for the first time.
The Rugby World Cup encounters between Wales and England have added extra spice to the rivalry. The nations first met at a World Cup in 1987, when Wales won 16 to 3 in Brisbane in the quarter finals, with Wales going on to finish third. In 2003, they met again in the quarter finals, with England winning 28 to 17 on their way to World Cup glory.
Red cards have featured in several Wales versus England matches. In 1980, Welsh flanker Paul Ringer was sent off for a dangerous tackle on England fly half John Horton at Twickenham, becoming the first player to receive a red card in the fixture. In 1995, Welsh prop John Davies was sent off in Cardiff. More recently, England’s Manu Tuilagi became the first Englishman to be shown a red card in the fixture following a dangerous tackle on George North at Twickenham.
The fixture has also seen disciplinary controversies that have sparked debate. In the 2023 Six Nations, England were reduced to twelve men at one point during their 20 to 10 victory in Cardiff, with four players sent to the sin bin, including Owen Farrell whose yellow card was later upgraded to a red card, causing him to miss the start of England’s World Cup campaign.
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The Rivalry Beyond the Scoreboard
The Wales versus England rugby rivalry transcends the scoreboard. It is rooted in centuries of shared history, much of it turbulent. Wales was formally annexed to England in 1536 and 1542, and the relationship between the two nations has been complex ever since. For Wales, a small nation with a distinct language and culture, asserting identity and distinctiveness has always been important. Rugby provides one of the most visible and celebrated arenas for doing so.
When Wales beats England at rugby, it is not just about fifteen men defeating another fifteen. It represents a small nation standing up to a larger neighbor, proving that size and power are not everything. It reinforces Welsh identity and gives Welsh people a source of pride that is uniquely their own. The passion in Welsh rugby stadiums when England visits is unlike anything else in sport, a cauldron of noise, emotion, and fervent support.
For English rugby fans, the Wales match is equally significant, though for different reasons. England expects to win, and losses to Wales are particularly painful because of the passion and celebration they provoke in Wales. The rivalry with Wales is seen as the most emotional and hardest fought of England’s Six Nations fixtures, one where history and national pride guarantee fierce competition regardless of form or standings.
The singing at Wales versus England matches is legendary. Welsh crowds belt out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau with a passion that can intimidate opponents and inspire their team. Hymns like Bread of Heaven and Calon Lân echo around the stadium, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and intimidating. English fans respond with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and their own patriotic songs, but many acknowledge that the Welsh create an atmosphere that is hard to match.
The rivalry has produced intense on field battles, occasional flashpoints, and competitive edge that sometimes borders on animosity. Yet it is also characterized by respect. Players from both nations acknowledge the significance of the fixture and the quality of opposition. Many great friendships have been forged between Welsh and English players who compete fiercely on the field but respect each other off it.
The Modern Era and an Even Contest
As of the 2024 Six Nations, the overall head to head record between Wales and England is remarkably close. Of the 143 matches played since 1881, England have won 70, Wales have won 61, and 12 have been drawn. After Wales’s dominance in the 1970s gave them a significant lead in the series, England’s success in the professional era has eroded that advantage, and the two nations are now almost level.
This parity makes the fixture even more compelling. Neither side has a psychological stranglehold, and recent results have been mixed, with both teams capable of winning in Cardiff or at Twickenham. The matches remain among the most anticipated in the rugby calendar, guaranteed to draw huge television audiences and sell out stadiums months in advance.
The rivalry continues to produce the moments that define careers. For Welsh players, beating England remains one of the ultimate achievements. For English players, losing to Wales is one of the most disappointing results possible. The fixture motivates players in a way that few others can, bringing out the best and sometimes the worst in both teams.
Wales’s struggles in the early 2020s have shifted the balance somewhat back towards England, but history teaches that such swings are temporary. Welsh rugby has revived from difficult periods before and will likely do so again. The rivalry endures because both nations care so deeply about the outcome, and that passion ensures that every match is played with maximum intensity and commitment.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Wales versus England rugby rivalry is one of the great sporting rivalries in the world. It combines history, passion, national pride, and sporting excellence in a way that few others can match. From the humiliation of 1881 to the glories of the 1970s, from the Twickenham bogey to modern Grand Slam battles, the fixture has produced drama, heartbreak, and joy in equal measure.
For Welsh fans, victories over England are cherished and celebrated for years, becoming part of the folklore that binds generations together. The 1905 funeral card, JPR Williams’s perfect record, Scott Gibbs’s try in 1999, the 30 to 3 demolition in 2013 – these moments are etched into Welsh rugby history and passed down like treasured heirlooms.
For English fans, the rivalry with Wales is one of the most intense and meaningful in their rugby calendar. Wales at the Millennium Stadium, with 74,500 voices singing in unison, represents one of the toughest challenges in world rugby. Twickenham, with its tradition and grandeur, remains a fortress that Welsh teams dream of conquering.
As the two nations look to the future, the rivalry shows no signs of diminishing. New generations of players will pull on the red of Wales or the white of England and feel the weight of history, the passion of supporters, and the intensity of a rivalry that has endured for over 140 years. They will create new memories, new controversies, and new moments of brilliance that will add to the rich tapestry of this magnificent fixture.
The Wales versus England rugby match is more than just a game. It is a cultural event, a national statement, and a sporting spectacle that captures hearts and imaginations. Long may it continue to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Wales v England rugby match?
The first Wales versus England rugby match was played on 19 February 1881 at Mr Richardson’s Field in Blackheath, London. England won comprehensively, scoring seven goals, one dropped goal, and six tries to nil. Under modern scoring, the result would have been 82 to 0. This humiliating defeat prompted the formation of the Welsh Rugby Union less than a month later on 12 March 1881.
What is the overall record between Wales and England?
As of 2024, Wales and England have played 143 times in total. England have won 70 matches, Wales have won 61 matches, and 12 matches have been drawn. The series was close for many years, with England leading until 1907. Wales then took the lead during their golden era, particularly in the 1970s when they dominated the fixture. England’s success in the professional era has brought the series back to near parity.
What is JPR Williams’s record against England?
JPR Williams, the legendary Welsh fullback, had a perfect record against England. He played in ten test matches against England between 1969 and 1981 and never lost. His record was nine wins and one draw. Even more remarkably, Williams scored five tries against England, an exceptional tally for a fullback. His final match against England was at Cardiff Arms Park in 1981, which Wales won 21 to 19.
What was the Twickenham bogey?
The Twickenham bogey refers to Wales’s inability to win at England’s Twickenham Stadium for many years. After England moved to Twickenham in 1910, Wales did not win there until 1933, a period of 23 years. After that 1933 victory, Wales did not win at Twickenham again until 1988, a gap of 55 years. The psychological burden of this poor record at Twickenham became known as the bogey. Wales’s victory at Twickenham in 2008 under Warren Gatland was their first there in 20 years.
What happened in the famous 1905 match?
On 14 January 1905, Wales defeated England 25 to 0 at Cardiff Arms Park, one of the most comprehensive victories in the history of the fixture. After the match, Welsh supporters produced a mock funeral card for “Poor Old England,” designed in the style of a Victorian death notice. The victory came during Wales’s first golden era and was followed later that year by their famous 3 to 0 defeat of the All Blacks.
How many Grand Slams have Wales won against England?
Wales have won 12 Grand Slams in total, and in each case they had to defeat England as part of achieving the clean sweep. Notable Grand Slams that featured victories over England include 1908, 1909, 1911, 1950, 1952, 1971, 1976, 1978, 2005, 2008, 2012, and 2019. The matches against England are often crucial to Grand Slam ambitions for both nations.
What was Wales’s biggest win over England?
Wales’s biggest victory over England came on 16 March 2013 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Wales won 30 to 3, a margin of 27 points. The victory came on the final day of the Six Nations Championship, with England needing to win to secure their first Grand Slam in a decade. Wales dominated completely and wing Alex Cuthbert scored two tries. The result gave Wales the 2013 championship title on points difference.
Have Wales and England met at Rugby World Cups?
Yes, Wales and England have met three times at Rugby World Cups. In 1987, they met in the quarter finals in Brisbane, with Wales winning 16 to 3. Wales went on to finish third in that tournament. In 2003, they again met in the quarter finals, with England winning 28 to 17 on their way to winning the World Cup. In 2015, they met in the pool stage at Twickenham, with England winning 28 to 25, eliminating Wales from the tournament at the pool stage for the first time.
Why is the Wales v England rivalry so intense?
The intensity of the Wales versus England rugby rivalry stems from several factors. The two nations share a long and complex political history, with Wales having been annexed to England in the sixteenth century. For Wales, a small nation with a distinct language and culture, sporting success against their larger neighbor is a source of immense national pride. Rugby has been Wales’s national sport since the late nineteenth century, and matches against England carry particular significance. The fixture represents more than sport; it touches on national identity, pride, and historical relationships between the two countries.
What is Wales’s record at the Millennium Stadium or Principality Stadium against England?
Wales have generally had a strong record against England when playing at their Cardiff home, though exact statistics vary depending on the time period examined. The Millennium Stadium opened in 1999 and was renamed the Principality Stadium in 2016. Notable Welsh victories at the stadium include the 11 to 9 win in 2005 that sparked their Grand Slam, and the 30 to 3 demolition in 2013. However, England have also secured important victories there, including in 2003 and on several occasions in the 2010s and early 2020s.
Who has scored the most tries in Wales v England matches?
Will Greenwood holds the record for most tries in the Wales versus England fixture with seven tries in just six matches for England, including a hat trick in Cardiff in 2000. For Wales, Willie Llewellyn scored four tries on his international debut against England at Swansea in 1899, a remarkable feat that remains one of the great individual performances in the fixture’s history.
Has anyone been sent off in Wales v England matches?
Yes, three players have received red cards in Wales versus England matches. Paul Ringer of Wales was sent off for a dangerous tackle on England fly half John Horton at Twickenham in 1980. John Davies of Wales was sent off in Cardiff in 1995. Manu Tuilagi became the first Englishman to receive a red card in the fixture following a dangerous tackle on George North at Twickenham in more recent years. Additionally, in 2023, Owen Farrell’s yellow card was upgraded to a red card after review.
Where can I watch Wales v England rugby matches?
Wales versus England Six Nations Championship matches are typically broadcast on BBC and ITV in the UK, with both channels sharing coverage of the tournament. The matches are among the most watched television sporting events in both Wales and England, regularly attracting audiences of several million viewers. The fixture remains one of the highlights of the rugby calendar and is shown on free to air television in both countries.
