Rugby royalty, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams and Martyn Williams, star in the first of five episodes of #FortheJersey which will be played out at regular intervals during the season ahead and in the build up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Recently retired flanker Williams and 70s greats, JPR and Edwards, are joined by 80/90s superstar turned TV pundit Jonathan Davies alongside current internationals Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny in the first instalment.
And a cameo role from double Grand Slam winner (05, 08) and current Dragons pivot Gavin Henson bridges the gap between past and present, as the film depicts how individuals pass through the jersey but leave an indelible mark on its history.
Historic footage, such as Henson’s talismanic tackle on England’s Matthew Tait in 2005 – a game which also featured many moments of Martyn Williams magic (also a Slam winner in both ’05 and ’08) – and Edwards scoring in the mud in 1972 against Scotland, flash across the screen as each individual speaks in emotional terms about their feelings towards one of the most famous jersey’s in the world game.
The film made its debut on big screens as Cardiff Blues took on Leinster in the Guinness Pro14 opener at Cardiff Arms Park on last night (Friday) and will be seen at Rodney Parade when Dragons take on Benetton this afternoon – before being published online and showing on a variety of TV channels in the days and weeks ahead.
The stylised imagery is intended to show how a player’s personal ownership of the jersey may be of its time, but they leave a lasting legacy when they move on.
The opening film, shot by Welsh company Black Lab Films based in Cardiff Bay, is called ‘Our History’ and will be followed during the season ahead by three further promotional excerpts under the working titles: ‘The players’ point of view’, ‘Supporters & Community’ and ‘To the future…’
A final fifth film will be published ahead of the 2019 RWC and contain a selection of the best contributions gathered during the 18 month build up, with members of the public in all walks of life consulted alongside the range of past and present players and others who contribute to both the elite and community game in Wales.
“Over the years the style and fabric of the jersey has changed, players have come and gone, yet the sentiment and pride behind the jersey remains the same,” said a WRU spokesperson.
“The campaign will seek to tell the tales which are symbolically woven within every fibre and every stitch of the jersey.
“It tells the story of a nation, our jersey is unique, no matter where you are in the world as soon as you see the three feathers there is an instant connection and sense of pride and familiarity.
“Only a chosen few have the honour to wear our jersey on the field, but we can all feel it on our skin and in our hearts and every game provides a new chapter of our story, of battles won or legends born.”
The full cast list for the films – although this is set to evolve – to date is: Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Jonathan Davies (past). Martyn Williams, Gavin Henson, Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies (present), Ken Owens, Rhys Patchell, Cory Hill, Ellis Jenkins, Rob Evans, Alun Wyn, Hannah Jones, Jazz Joyce
“We also auditioned our supporters to be part of the cast with some included in later films and we consulted supports on what they thought were the best Welsh rugby moments – and it’s this footage which is included in the films,” the spokesperson added.
“We are celebrating Welsh rugby in the build up to RWC and beyond.
“We want to strengthen current engagement with Welsh rugby and engage new audiences within the UK and abroad and the campaign does this by celebrating our history and what makes Welsh Rugby great.
“Providing relevant and easily sharable digital content which emotionally connects with our core supporters, as well as winning over the hearts and minds of old and new audiences.
“It also provides a consistent visual identity and story that will strengthen and amplify the Welsh rugby brand across the world.”
Support Wales in the Under Armour Series this autumn at Principality Stadium and play your part in the story of our iconic jersey. Tickets available now from £45 and £15 U16s – Scotland, Aus and SA – and starting at £10 Tonga at www.wru.wales/tickets, the next chapter is waiting to be written, will you be there?
Under Armour Series 2019
Wales v Scotland, Sat 3rd November (KO: 2.45pm), *£75, £65, £45, U16s £15, **AFZ £45
Wales v Australia, Sat 10th November (KO: 5.20pm), £75, £65, £45, U16s £15, AFZ £45
Wales v Tonga, Sat 17th November (KO: 2.30pm), £35, £25, £20, £15, £10, U16s £10, AFZ £20
Wales v South Africa, Sat 24th November (KO: 5.20pm), £75, £65, £45, U16s £15, AFZ £45
*only remaining ticket prices are included
**AFZ= Alcohol Free Zone
