With less than 18 months before Rugby World Cup 2027 kicks off in Australia head coach Steve Tandy has been conducting a recce to see the stadia that Wales will play at in the tournament, as well as potential training facilities his squad will use while down under.
Wales begins its world cup campaign on Saturday 2 October against Zimbabwe at the Adelaide Oval and Tandy, along with team and operations manager Martyn Williams and head of physical performance Huw Bennett, was taken on a tour of the venue by tournament officials.
There was also the opportunity to watch local AFL team Adelaide Crows, who play all their home games at the Oval, at their captain’s run and meet the coaching team.
Tandy said: “The stadium is absolutely amazing. Just speaking to the [Adelaide Crows] guys, the crowds they get, it’s an amazing atmosphere. It’s absolutely special and we can’t wait to come back here and play.
“I think all the facilities we’ve seen, we’ll be very lucky and all the venues look amazing.”
On excitement building ahead of the tournament Tandy added: “I think fans will be excited, hopefully there’ll be lots of support for Wales and coming to Australia, it’s an amazing spot. I lived here for two years in Sydney. It’s a special place for me as well and my family. The players will love every minute of it.
On the Welsh fans and their support Tandy said: “The Welsh fans are amazing. They travel really well and I think if we can replicate anything like it is in Cardiff, it’ll be really inspiring for the boys.
“It does mean a huge amount to the players and the players have massive pride to represent the nation as well. So the more red shirts you get in all these venues, it’ll make a huge difference to the players.”
More information about Rugby World Cup 2027 and Wales Pool F fixtures can be found here.