Fitting Farewell for Pontardawe Rugby Player as Wales Face Barbarians
Key Highlights :
On the weekend, Wales took on the Barbarians invitational side in the Principality Stadium for what was a fitting send-off for three players. Justin Tipuric, from Alltwen, joined Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny in saying farewell to the crowd in the uncapped match. Between the trio, they had won 352 caps for their country, with 93 for Tipuric, 101 for Halfpenny and 158 for Jones.
Unfortunately for Tipuric and Jones, they were on the losing side as Wales – captained by Brynamman’s Jac Morgan – ran out 49-26 winners. Wales’ Dewi Lake, Tom Rogers and Sam Costelow scored tries in the first half, with Barbarians coming back with two tries from Simione Kuruvoli and in the second half, Jones went over himself. Nicolas Sanchez would kick two conversions for the Barbarians. Barbarians would get another try in the second half as Tom Hooper went over, with Ben Donaldson adding the conversion. In the second half, replacements Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright went over for Wales. Replacement scrum half Kieran Hardy – from Pontyberem – would go over for two tries in the last few minutes of the game. Halfpenny would go on to kick five conversions before he was replaced to a standing ovation from the 53,000-strong crowd. Cai Evans would add the final two conversions for Wales.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland said of the three players: “For the three of them, to have that game here in the stadium was incredibly special. I thought the crowd were amazing in recognising that as well. I thought ‘Tips’ played well today, he caused us a few problems at the breakdown. I said that to him afterwards and he said: ‘there’s still life in the old boy yet.’”
Justin Tipuric’s career has been an impressive one, having played 93 times for his country, including two Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam. He has also won two European Challenge Cups with Ospreys and two Pro14 titles. He has also been a part of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2013, where he was part of the first Test team.
The Pontardawe rugby player was given a fitting send-off as Wales faced the Barbarians invitational side on the weekend. Justin Tipuric – from Alltwen – joined Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny in saying farewell to the Principality Stadium crowd in the game. It was an emotional moment for the trio, who have won 352 caps for their country between them, with 93 for Tipuric, 101 for Halfpenny and 158 for Jones.
Although the Barbarians were on the losing side, Tipuric still impressed his former head coach. Wales’ Dewi Lake, Tom Rogers and Sam Costelow scored tries in the first half, with Barbarians coming back with two tries from Simione Kuruvoli and in the second half, Jones went over himself. Nicolas Sanchez would kick two conversions for the Barbarians. Barbarians would get another try in the second half as Tom Hooper went over, with Ben Donaldson adding the conversion. In the second half, replacements Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright went over for Wales. Replacement scrum half Kieran Hardy – from Pontyberem – would go over for two tries in the last few minutes of the game. Halfpenny would go on to kick five conversions before he was replaced to a standing ovation from the 53,000-strong crowd. Cai Evans would add the final two conversions for Wales.
The send-off for the three players was a fitting one and a reminder of the contribution they have made to Welsh rugby. Justin Tipuric’s career has been an impressive one, having played 93 times for his country, including two Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam. He has also won two European Challenge Cups with Ospreys and two Pro14 titles. He has also been a part of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2013, where he was part of the first Test team.
Tipuric’s contribution to Welsh rugby will not be forgotten and his send-off was a fitting tribute to his achievements. Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: “For the three of them, to have that game here in the stadium was incredibly special. I thought the crowd were amazing in recognising that as well. I thought ‘Tips’ played well today, he caused us a few problems at the breakdown. I said that to him afterwards and he said: ‘there’s still life in the old boy yet.’”
