MPs back Welsh rugby team
12th October 2011
MPs from all Welsh political parties have backed the Welsh team in the Rugby World Cup by signing a Parliamentary Early Day Motion put down by Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis.
Dr Francis said,
‘All Welsh MPs are rightly proud of Wales’ outstanding achievements and we wish the team success in the remaining stages of the Cup.
Everyone in Wales can proudly connect to so many of the players. By their performance on and off the field they are true ambassadors for Wales. I have asked Dennis Gethin, the President of the WRU, to convey the good wishes of Welsh MPs and those from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to the Welsh team.’
Dr Francis added finally,
‘I am personally proud to see the way Welsh captain Sam Warburton is leading by example as he is a product of Whitchurch High School and Rhiwbina RFC both teams which I played for in the 1960s. And my own Swansea University is rightly proud of its students Alun Wyn Jones, Huw Bennett and Rhys Priestland.’
The full Early Day Motion which already has been signed by twenty two MPs is:
That this House warmly congratulates the Welsh rugby team on reaching the semi finals of the Rugby World Cup; recognises that this has been achieved by its exhilarating, exemplary, professional and disciplined approach led by its outstanding captain Sam Warburton and its coaching staff led by Warren Gatland; notes that this progress is also due to the way the Welsh Rugby Union led by Dennis Gethin, has nurtured mini, schools, youth and community rugby; and wishes the team every success in the remaining stages of the competition.
