Voxpop: Welsh rugby remains winner at heart

The Welsh rugby team may not have won the World Cup, but their performance certainly won the hearts of their fans – so much Cardiff City Council is organising a homecoming event to reunite the fans with their favourite players.

Welsh fans are still proud of their boys. (photo by Gwendolyn Duenner)

Although Wales lost against France in the semi-finals and subsequently failed to make third place against Australia, they have shown great accomplishment; this is the first time since 1987 they made it to the World Cup semi-finals.

Welsh fans seem to agree: ticket sales show the crowd watching at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was bigger than that at the stadium at Eden Park, New Zealand.

This is why Cardiff City Council leader Rodney Berman is currently planning a homecoming event with the WRU and the Welsh government events team, he announced on twitter on 15 October.

A government spokesperson told BBC news: “We are currently considering the most appropriate way to recognise the great achievement of the Welsh rugby team at the World Cup.”

VoxPop: What did you think of Wales’ performance at the World Cup? Did you go see the match at the Millennium Stadium? And what do you think about the homecoming event?

Paolo Dos Santos, 26, employee:

“I saw last week’s game [against France] there [at the Stadium], I thought it was great to see the crowd get behind everyone. Just the whole country getting behind the team, to be winning something, definitely worth it.”

John Williams, 41, Rugby Shop manager:

“The Welsh team’s performance has been very encouraging throughout the tournament. I think they deserve a good welcome home.”

Debbie, 45, waitress:

[About the homecoming event:] “Depends how much the tickets are, but if it was free, definitely, I’d go!”

Gertrud Jones Williams, 39, Business owner:

“That sounds amazing, I support my team, definitely. I think that [the homecoming event] would be a really good idea, if it was promoted more.”

John Standen, 20, Chef:

“Considering how young the team was, they fought really well for the whole tournament, just a pity that we couldn’t win it and do better than what we have.”

Tom Jennings, 18, Nando’s cashier:

“We were proud of the boys, thought a few individuals put in a really good performance, but then they lacked the leadership of players like Sam Warburton. But I think, if they carry on the momentum into the Six Nations, they’ll be able to be a force to be reckoned with.

[On going to the Millennium Stadium:] “The bar should have been open earlier, but other than that it was a really good atmosphere, a lot better than watching in bed or on your sofa.

“Each and everyone of the boys should be knighted.”

Requested to remain unknown:

“No, don’t mention the game.”

Additional Information:

Follow @rodneyberman on twitter for latest updates on the event.