Catatonia Wins Fans Vote

The Welsh team will run out to the Catatonia classic, ‘International Velvet’, before they take on England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The song sung by Cerys Matthews was the top choice of Welsh fans in a competition run by the Welsh Rugby Union in conjunction with Wales on Sunday and Real Radio.
“We were looking for a musical anthem to play before the Welsh team take to the field and we felt it was only right to consult the fans and hear from them what are their favourites,” said WRU commercial manager Gwyn Thomas.
“We had a great response through our media partners and via our own website and the Catatonia classic was a clear winner over Eminem, Queen, the Sterophonics and Manic Street Preachers.
“The idea is for the fans to get behind the side as they emerge from the dressing rooms and take the field. I’m sure the fans will enjoy the moment and I’m sure they might join in with the chorus.”
Catatonia first performed their ‘International Velvet’ song, which contains the phrase ‘every day I wake up I thank the Lord I’m Welsh’, before the opening game of the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Cardiff.
Any fans who still want to join in the fun at the Millennium Stadium, and see Stephen Jones’ side take on the top team in the world, can still buy tickets on the day of the game.
Tickets will be available from booths at Gates 2, 3, 4 and 6/7 from Saturday morning. There are only 14,000 tickets left – Wales have sold 40,000 and England 20,000 – and the only categories remaining are in the £25 and £30 sections.
Please note that the Millennium Stadium Ticket Office will only be open for collections on the day of the game, and not for the sale of tickets.