Leigh Halfpenny surprised Italian hosts with his antics at a post-match function, as revealed by Wales legend Ken Owens. The unexpected moment took place in Rome, where Halfpenny, known for his reserved nature, stunned everyone by breaking into song while “stone cold sober.” During the gathering at the famous Palazzo Venezia after Wales’ victory over Italy in 2013, Halfpenny confidently belted out ‘Roller, Roller’ to the amusement of his teammates and the confusion of the Italian attendees.
Owens recounted the incident while appearing on BBC’s Scrum V: The Warm Up alongside former Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkins. The trio reminisced about the golden era of Welsh rugby when the team secured back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. Cuthbert shared another amusing anecdote involving a late-night burger order after a win against Scotland in 2013. Despite a curfew in place, several players indulged in burgers and beers, resulting in a hefty bill that left team manager Thumper Phillips puzzled.
The following day, as the team prepared to depart for their next match, an outstanding bill for burgers and beers surfaced, prompting an investigation led by coach Rob Howley. In a humorous turn of events, player Mike Phillips jokingly denied any involvement, confident that he would still be selected for the upcoming match against England. However, during a post-match debrief following a victory over England, Phillips amusingly confessed to indulging in the late-night burgers, leading to a revelation of other guilty parties within the team.
The lighthearted anecdotes shared by Owens, Cuthbert, and Jenkins offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and mischievous behaviour that sometimes accompany the intense world of professional rugby. These tales serve to humanise the players and showcase the lighter side of their experiences both on and off the field. As the Six Nations rugby tournament approaches, with Wales set to face France in Paris on January 31, fans can look forward to more memorable moments and fierce competition on the pitch.
The stories of Halfpenny’s spontaneous performance in Rome and the burger escapade in Scotland provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the personalities within the Welsh rugby team. While the players exhibit dedication and focus during matches, these instances illustrate the bonds of friendship and shared experiences that form off the field. As the team gears up for another Six Nations campaign, these anecdotes serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and humour that are integral to the sport.
With Wales approaching the Six Nations opener against France, the team’s history of triumphs, challenges, and quirky escapades add colour to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming matches. As fans eagerly await the action on the field, the offbeat stories shared by former players offer a unique perspective on the dynamics within the Welsh rugby squad. The blend of competitiveness and camaraderie showcased through these anecdotes exemplifies the spirit of rugby as a sport that unites players through shared moments of triumph and amusement.