Soldiers granted their wish to see Wales play rugby

Jan 28 2008 by Lisa Jones, South Wales Echo

A GROUP of Welsh soldiers fighting insurgents in Afghanistan are to have their wish to see Wales play Scotland granted.

The 10 friends from the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh spent Christmas fighting the Taliban.

They are due to return home on February 1 and were desperate to celebrate it by watching the national team play in the first home match of the Six Nations Championship on February 9.

Julia Jones, 48, from Barry, became a mum on a mission to get the tickets for her son, Lance Corporal Michael Jones and his friends tickets after they had all sold out.

Julia had tried everywhere to get one of the sought-after tickets, but without success.

But after contacting the Echo, Millennium Stadium bosses heard of their plight and have invited the 10 soldiers to be guard of honour at the match.

They will now stand guard, holding the Welsh flag, either side of the players’ tunnel as the teams run onto the pitch.

They will then join the crowds to watch their sporting heroes in action.

Julia broke the good news to Michael.

She said: “He was so excited when I told him, he said “What have you done?”.

“He’s overjoyed.

“The boys are ecstatic. They said they would be proud to wear their uniforms for Wales and be part of what’s going on during the day.”

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said: “We are delighted that we are able to honour our heroes by inviting them to be the official guard of honour.

“We have great relations with the armed forces and are proud to include them as part of our match day activity.”

A flood of people called the Echo, prepared to give up their tickets or donate money, to ensure the lads got to the match.

Julia was moved to tears by people’s generosity.

She added: “You don’t realise how kind people can be. It’s really touched me.

“You think you are on your own, being a mother whose son is serving in Afghanistan.

“The boys have been shocked at the response. They couldn’t believe so many people cared.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “If it comes about, it’s a lovely gesture. People in Wales have prized tickets and the fact they are prepared to give them up for these lads shows how they value their soldiers.”

lisa.jones@wme.co.uk