Hail the Welsh invasion
- 9 Feb 07, 12:04 PM
Edinburgh - They are coming………..
Friday morning - I have arrived in Edinburgh and already they are everywhere.
Legions of them, bringing strange sounds and songs. They are unstoppable. Soon they will take control of the city and will run red.
No pub is safe. Flee while you can.
So, is it still true that Welsh fans travel in greater number to Edinburgh than they do for any other 6 Nations game?
So perhaps Rome has replaced Edinburgh as the more exotic, more eagerly-anticipated trip. Dublin, of course, offers plenty to entertain those seeking cultural and alcoholic enlightenment.
But for Welsh fans, a trip north to the Scottish capital was always the big 5/6 Nations weekend away.
Even growing up in , on the other side of Scotland we caught glimpses of the invading hordes.
In the odd years when Wales played Scotland away, I remember the occasional bus full of red shirts pulling into the car park of . Perhaps they had come for the golf. Or perhaps for the bracing sea-air. Or perhaps they were lost.
But they always found a way to Murrayfield in the end and somehow found a ticket as well.
Attendances at the old Murrayfield were staggering. More than 82,000 at Croke Park on Sunday? Hah! Pathetic.
Try 104,000 for the Scotland v Wales game in 1975, which remained a record until they apparently sneaked a handful more into a game at Sydney's Olympic Stadium.
But of course I'd wager that more than half of those 104,000 supporters were Welsh.
So is it still the case? Is Edinburgh the No 1 away trip for Wales fans in the 6 Nations?
I ask it of any Welsh supporters left behind with access to a computer. I don't hold out any great hope because as I look around me in Edinburgh city centre, it appears to me that Wales has moved north.
And I suspect that Scotland may not really have home advantage when the anthems sound and kick-off comes tomorrow.
It's too late for me.
Save yourselves.
Wales 27-18 England
Comments Post your comment
I saw Wales play Scotland in 2205 the year we won the grandslam, and there were more welsh supporters than anywhere i had seen. They reckon 40 thousand plus, it was a like a home game in Murrayfield. My dad was reminiscing of when he used to go in the 70's on the overnight train, and said is always like this. Wales are definately the most followed team.
Complain about this post
Great stuff to read for one of those left behind. Edinburgh is a wonderful venue, and the Scots fans are fabulous. I must say though, I don't like the way a minority up there act toward genuine English fans - some of us grew up believing rugby was more beautiful than that.
However, we really are lucky that the Championship still provides us with something special. During the Wales trip to Rome in '02, and Llanelli's Euro Semifinal loss in Nottingham the same year, it was great to speak with locals whose eyes were opened to what a big rugby event is all about.
When Sir Clive took a Barrister and a Spin Doctor on the last Lions trip, he should have been dismissed for bringing the game into disrepute. We still have events like Edinburgh this weekend, and the genuine guys need to make sure the bad guys can never take their beauty away from us.
Complain about this post
I'm scared already! I'm going to retreat to my Castle in the Kingdom of Fife!
Complain about this post
The trip to Scotland is still the big away trip for us Welsh lads. Not all of us can afford trips to Rome or Paris, Dublin is pretty steep too these days and not many of us want to go to 'Twickers', but Edinburgh is a mecca for us. Somehow, come rain, shine or snow there is always a car or a coach heading that way that and you can snaffle a ride. Whatever happens, you have to go to Edinburgh for the rugbyat least once in your life.
Great city, great people, great pubs, we have a great time there with our cousins, the Scots, win, lose or draw. Some of the best 5 / 6 Nations games ever have been between Wales and Scotland, free-flowing rugby at its best, with free-flowing ale to match. We also still remember that Edinburgh, like much of beautiful Scotland, was once Welsh and one of the great poems of all time, Y Gododdin, was written in Welsh in Edinburgh in the 6th Century. Although we don't claim Edinburgh as ours, we feel welcome there and somehow part of the scenery.
Many of us 'West of the border' have Scotland as our second team, and always wish the Scots well. So good luck to both teams, lets hope it's a great game, and although we want Scotland to win her other games, when they play us, it has to be the red, white and green of the Men of the Dragon that wins!
And if we don't, we'll have a few pints and a laugh together after in the pub!
Complain about this post
good blog. its very true! although wales arent always great the welsh fans are always devoted.
Complain about this post
I was there in 2001 for my stag doo when we drew. We tried booking a hotel from about November time without success - in the end we stayed in Livingston - as we walked up the road to the Hotel we caught sight of the Scottish Rugby Union Team bus - the Scots Team were staying there - of course it was our duty to run up and down the corridors all night to keep the Scots boys from their beauty sleep.
Didn't help tho, we drew
Complain about this post
Great stuff to read for one of those left behind. Edinburgh is a wonderful venue, and the Scots fans are fabulous. I must say though, I don't like the way a minority up there act toward genuine English fans - some of us grew up believing rugby was more beautiful than that.
We really are lucky that the Championship still provides us with something special. During the Wales trip to Rome in '02, and Llanelli's Euro Semifinal loss in Nottingham the same year, it was great to speak with locals whose eyes were opened to see what a big rugby event is all about.
When Sir Clive took a Barrister and a Spin Doctor on the last Lions trip, he should have been dismissed for bringing the game into disrepute. We still have events like Edinburgh this weekend, and the genuine guys need to make sure the bad guys can never take their beauty away from us.
Complain about this post
2205? Haha, easy mistake to make. Can't wait for this match, wish I was in Scotland!
Complain about this post
What a great trip by train and by car or by bus! when the juice of the valleys start flowing, we all saw the game in the bar! Great people and city but lets hope we beat them tomorrow. Ymlaen Cymru fach. Wales by 7.
Complain about this post
I am SO disappointed! I was looking forward to my first Edinburgh 6 Nations visit. I had accommodation AND a ticket too - but had to pull out 'cause of the weather - I'm snowed in.
I wish the boys well for tomorrow and the supporters - whatever colour jersey they wear. ENJOY.
Complain about this post
Though I've never been to Edinburgh for a 6 Nations game the city has a special place in my heart. It's great to read about the camarardery between the two sets of fans.To all who are going, have a great time whichever shirt your wearing though I've no doubt the dragon will be flying high come 6 o'clock. PS can we transport Catherine Jenkins to do the anthem wherever we go. It brought a tear to my eye and a shiver through mmy heart.
Complain about this post
Great reading the comments on this blog.
As a Welshman off in the morning for my first trip to Edinburgh for the rugby, I'm excited. Everything I've read here reinforces what I've heard before.
The teams play good rugby, so it could be a great game.
But just as important both sets of supporters will celebrate the occassion!
Complain about this post
memories come flooding back.
i was in the crowd as a scottish schoolboy in the 70's between scotland and wales. the game was the last at murrayfield not to be all ticket. i got there late but the schoolboys had tickets and so were allowed in. there were literally tens of thousands of welsh heading the other way back to edinburgh's city pubs and numerous other buzzing around like ants at the bottom of murrayfield's slopes, unable to see the action but still feeling the incredible atmosphere.
i was moved to the 10 yard line to avoid crowding of fans on the slopes of murrayfield behind me. despite all the above, particularly the frustration at not getting in, the welsh put a smile on and headed back to the hostelries.
later in life, i travelled with welsh supporters to a murrayfield game from the south by train, (they joined at birmingham)and enjoyed their company so much i stayed with them rather than the scots i had come to see! scotland v wales is an event, where it is proven beyond doubt that being drunk is not an excuse for violence, as there was nobody sober in edinburgh's rose street on saturday night after the game, and everyone got on fantastically win or lose.
in one bar a competition to see which country's supporters could best act out/dance the "dying fly" summed up the feeling at the time!
this attitude is why the welsh were so welcome, once every 2 years, to have a party in edinburgh of their own making, and the trip became legendary.
Complain about this post
I had the great opportunity to live and work in Edinburgh a few years ago. I am originally from Llanelli and Rose Street on the Wales v Scotland Weekend was unbelievable. It was like the Queue to get into Stradey Park on a Saturday afternoon, only I bumped into more friends and relatives! Everyone wanted to know what the journey had been like and trying to meet at Waverley for the journey back, I was almost dissapointed to stay. Edinburgh is a real celtic melting pot on these weekends and long may it continue.
Complain about this post
I was at the Scotland v Wales game in 1975. It was the first time I had been away to Edinburgh and as I stood on top of the banking overlooking a sea of red, I understood why so many Welsh fans go there year after year. The atmosphere I cannot describe, it was just a wonderful feeling to be part of it - to be proud of being a Welsh supporter. Even on the train back to Dundee the atmosphere was electric. I was staying with my uncle who left the Rhondda back in the late forties and who, to this day, is still a strong supporter of Welsh rugby. I would love to roll back the years and be there again today but will be watching it on the television as I babysit my grandson and tell him of those wonderful times back in the 70's. Good luck Wales.
Complain about this post
My wife, our 2 sons and I were at the 1977 match, standing on that massive bank behind the posts. Next to us was a Scotsman who sympathised with us when Scotland went ahead and my wife with him when Wales took the lead - it was one of those see-saw games and ended in Wales favoour with Phil Bennett going in under the posts. A game and experience we will always remember.
Complain about this post
I lived in Edinburgh throughout the 1980s and I can echo the comments above about how easy it was to gel with the atmosphere of the visiting supporters. The Welsh do have something special about them but the arrival of the visiting support for any team made for a brilliant weekend in the city ... the French the Irish the Welsh ah now hang on there is an exception. To be fair I never saw any trouble with English supporters and why should there be, but the atmosphere never took off and I can't even remember them. Maybe they are justifiably wary when away.
Anyway here's hoping we all have a great day. I'm a Scot (living south and east of the borders) so no doubt about what result I'm hoping for. Its funny that - even among friends - down here the enjoyment of a win seems to involve glee in seeing the destruction of the opponent, you know what I mean? No wonder they've never fitted in with the rest of the family. Sorry sorry I meant to post in praise of the Welsh and all other celtic visitors, not to sideswipe at the big neighbour.
Given the choice of a holiday weekend in Rome or Reekie I think I'd go abroad. But given the choice of a weekend with rugby fans from the 5/6 nations it would have to be the Scots & Welsh in Edinburgh.
Complain about this post
Agreeing with many of the above comments I have to confirm that there is nothing like the Welsh presence in a pub during a game. In the Seventies, during a family visit to Bridgend I was loosed out and "found myself" in the local pub watching the legendary Barbarians v All Blacks match on TV. What an experience! This afternoon I shall be sitting in my apartment in Istanbul listening to The Match on Radio5 Live. Despite wearing my Scotland Shirt it won't be the same!
Complain about this post
Didn't Max Boyce portray the game in Scotland so well with the Scottish Trip?
Best of luck to both teams, but I hope Wales can win. I will not nmake a prediction.
I too support Scotland as a second team. Best of luck in your other games.
Complain about this post
Looking forward to the game and may the best team win (Wales) - cans chilling in the fridge waiting for KO.
A devoted Welsh fan.
Complain about this post
I'm an Edinburgh boy and for many years my mum was receptionist in what used to be the Barnton Hotel. The place was always packed out during the 'Welsh Weekend'. The night of the match (20-odd years ago)I had a thirst for a pint and walked down the lobby to the public bar. But it was choc-a-bloc with singing Welshmen (despite having lost!). There would have been more chance of me getting to the moon than getting the twenty feet to the bar - or so I thought. Just as I was turning away, a Welsh fan in the doorway said: "You trying to get a pint lad". "Yeah", I replied, but no chance of getting in there". Whereupon the fan summoned two HUGE Welsh guys (must have been players themselves). They came to the door, positioned themselves on either side of me, each putting an arm under my own arms and literally lifted me off my feet. "Make way boys (or maybe it was Bhoyos) there's a wee Scotsman here desperate for a pint" - whereupon the Red Sea parted and I was literally lifted not TO the bar but ONTO the bar by my two giant new friends. Needless to say, "the pint" became a gallon at least. Great night, great memories. As we say in Scotland, A'Ra'Best. Have a great weekend (though you'll find there's not nearly as many pubs in Rose Street as there used to be).
Complain about this post
I don't know why i've been through in Edinburgh more times for the Welsh match than the others, just chance but every one of them has been great. Even our 40-0 capitulation a couple of years ago ended in the Three Sisters with hordes of Welsh and we all had a tremendous party. The atmosphere is always great with the Red army.
In England's defence, I was in Rose st. wathching our match with the English and the men in white were not only fair and objective in their reading of the game but also very magnanimous in defeat. I can only hope the Scots were as understanding in London last week.
I just hope come the world cup the northern hemisphere can show a bit of spirit against the south.
Go Scotland!
Complain about this post
15-9....and the Welsh haven't started complaining yet!! Still a long way to go, but come on Scotland!
Complain about this post
What a shambolic display of rugby from Wales, the coach needs sacking, and big changes are needed in the team itself, bring back Mike Ruddock, disipline non exsistant, resulting in 7 penalties and a sin binning. A sad day for Welsh rugby, bow your heads in shame
Roger Needs
Complain about this post
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments made by Roger Needs. We Welsh are past masters at masochism and it is about time we reversed this. How about booing the team off the field, such as the French do, when their team plays badly. The Welsh rugby team do NOT deserve such loyal fans.
Complain about this post
It feels like there's been a death in our house. What has gone so badly wrong With Wales? Once the pride of Welsh rugby, out backs have no idea these days. We will be lucky to win thw wooden spoon at this rate
Complain about this post
I must congratulate Wales for a cracking performance against the Scots. We played open, innovative, disciplined,positive rugby...oh, hang on...no,thats just the drugs kicking in! I'm hoping that with free perscriptions coming to Wales they start dolling out prozac prior to game weekend. I would like to offer Gareth Jenkins the opportunity to have my grandmother available for selection against France. She may be dead but would probably be of more use. Personally speaking I would like to see David Brent as Head Coach (at least he's a manager/entertainer). Boys, Mystic Meg senses a spoon, made of wood, in Uranus. Well done Scotland, your team at least had the decency to turn up and have a go!
Complain about this post
I must congratulate Wales for a cracking performance against the Scots. We played open, innovative, disciplined,positive rugby...oh, hang on...no,thats just the drugs kicking in! I'm hoping that with free perscriptions coming to Wales they start dolling out prozac prior to game weekend. I would like to offer Gareth Jenkins the opportunity to have my grandmother available for selection against France. She may be dead but would probably be of more use. Personally speaking I would like to see David Brent as Head Coach (at least he's a manager/entertainer). Boys, Mystic Meg senses a spoon, made of wood, in Uranus. Well done Scotland, your team at least had the decency to turn up and have a go!
Complain about this post
Well played Scotland. Better team in a bad match, but adapted to the conditions.
For the Welsh, I really hope your number 11 is playing against England and Shane Williams isn't fit. I hope you get your act together against the French, you can play much better and a competitive Six Nations for more entertaining, and more likely to produce a northern hemisphere team able to beat those from the south.
Have to hope that tomorrow's match provides some entertainment, there wasn't much on show today.
Complain about this post
We were snowe in Mid Wales as well. But did anyone else notice the Scots secret weapon? Those animated advertising boards on the touchline must have put the Welsh players off - (I know it's a bit of television magic as seen in Stade de France but did it have to creep into our more civilised venue?)
Complain about this post
The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is being a bit slow in posting the match report on the website. Hurry up lads!
Born an Edinburgh boy, but watched the match in exile in Newcastle where I'm at uni. Would have killed to be on Rose Street or the Royal Mile with the Boyos tonight, the Welsh are a great bunch. Pity thier team didn't really turn up to the races today.
Pretty grim match, not exactly champagne rugby, but a good result for the Scots nevertheless. Great defensive display, the forwards worked their socks off all day. The lack of tries was a worry, we can't depend on Paterson's boot all the time. Our lack of inventiveness behind the scrum continues to plague our chances of putting teams to the sword, although Dewey's performance gave hope for the future, as did Godman's. Nice to half an attacking fly half for a change.
Well done lads...
Complain about this post
I was a ballboy for the Scotland vs Wales match in the 1999 5 nations at Murrayfield. The main thing I remember, except of course one of the quickest tries in rugby, was the fact that there was no dominant set of supporters. The chants from the Welsh camp were just as formidable as us Scots. It was an immense experience and I feel if I was given the choice of which Scottish international I could of ballboy, I don't think I could choose a better fixture!!
Complain about this post
I enjoyed my first Scotland v Wales Match on Saturday sampling the camaraderie between the opposing fans. This is special to me as I can claim to have a foot in both camps. My father was Welsh and my mother Scottish and I was born in Scotland.
Scotland is my home but Wales remains a special place and I have visited it on numerous occasions.
In scotland we are renowned for the following the football team receives but I have never seen anything like the passion displayed by the Welsh.
Man, woman and child indoctrinated.
I remember as a young boy sitting in the front room in my red kit watching the 5 nations and I had hairs on the back of my neck when the Reds took the field on Saturday. Then as land of my fathers belted out I could feel the emotion welling up inside. I was intensely proud. However I am a proud scot as well and although it wasn't the greatest match, I thought it was. My wife and I with my little boy will be in Cardiff next year! There is no doubt.
Complain about this post
Good thread! In my experience there seem to be dramatically fewer Welsh fans these days - I too remember Princes Street starting as a trickle of red the week before and ending up as a great tide of red, festooned with daffodils. I hardly noticed the difference this time till the actual day of the game.
Complain about this post