Wales parties after Grand Slam rugby win

More than 250,000 rugby fans in Cardiff celebrated Wales' Grand Slam 29-12 victory against France and their second Six Nations title in four championships.

More than 250,000 rugby fans in Cardiff celebrated Wales' Grand Slam 29-12 victory against France and their second Six Nations title in four championships.

Wales ended their 27-year wait for Grand Slam success after a 29-12 victory against France in Cardiff last March 15th 2008.

In the Six Nations tournament, a Grand Slam is where one team beats all its opponents during one year's competition.

The Welsh squad won their first Grand Slam for 27 years after defeating England, Scotland, Italy, Ireland and finally France.

A record 75,000 erupted in a wild celebration at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium when the referee blew the final whistle giving Wales a 29-12 victory against France.

Even the pouring rain was not enough to curb the enthusiasm of many more thousands who watched the game on a free big screen in the city's civic centre.

The Welsh capital became a carnival-style sea of red with more than 250,000 rugby fans celebrating the victory on the streets and pubs. People hugged complete strangers and sang the tunes of Delilah and Bread of Heaven as the party continued long into the early hours.

St John Wales volunteers, including 140 first-aiders, carried out their biggest deployment outside Christmas and New Year.

Rugby is the national sport of Wales and the Welsh are passionate about the game.

Wales hadn't won a Grand Slam since 1978, although they were close in 1988 and 1994. This year's success comes only two years after they finished at the bottom of the Six Nations.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan praised the national team saying "This team is playing with a ruthless defensive efficiency, combined with traditional Welsh attacking flair."

"We can now all say proudly that we are the champions of Europe and champions of the Northern Hemisphere. Bring on the Southern Hemisphere!," said the First Minister.


2008 Six Nations Championship results

02-02-2008 England 19 – Wales 26
09-02-2008 Wales 30 – Scotland 15
23-02-2008 Wales 47 – Italy 4
08-03-2008 Ireland 12 – Wales 16
15-03-2008 Wales 29 – France 12