A 91-year-old lifelong fan enjoys behind-the-scenes visit with Welsh players
A LIFELONG rugby supporter was given the chance to relive cherished sporting memories after meeting members of the Wales national rugby union team.
Staff at Llys Herbert Care Home arranged a special trip for 91-year-old resident Mair Owen after learning she had always dreamed of meeting the Welsh squad.
Mair travelled to Vale Resort for a behind-the-scenes visit, where she enjoyed lunch and the opportunity to meet several current players, including Wales captain Dewi Lake and player Dan Edwards.
During the visit, she brought along her copy of Alun Wyn Jones’ autobiography and was delighted to receive a signed 2026 Welsh rugby shirt from the team.
Reflecting on the experience, Mair said: “It was a very good day out. Rugby has become a way of life, and it’s embedded in me. I really enjoyed having conversations in Welsh with certain players.
“I love watching the rugby at Llys Herbert, especially with other residents, as they are rugby fans too. I’m Welsh, so it’s important for me to support my team.”
Lifelong love of rugby
Having lived in Wales her entire life, Mair has fond memories of watching matches at Cardiff Arms Park.
One of her earliest memories is attending a Wales versus England match in 1961 with her brother-in-law.
“That was one of my very first games,” she said. “I watched the match with my brother-in-law, Hywel.”
Her passion for the sport began around 65 years ago and was inspired by another family member, her brother-in-law Dewi Bebb, who played for Wales in his younger years.
Meeting members of the current squad brought back those memories and reminded her of the moments that first sparked her love of the game.
Wish granted by care home
The visit was organised as part of the care home’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to share personal wishes – whether reconnecting with a favourite hobby or trying something new.
Suzanne Tullett, Home Manager at Llys Herbert, said staff were determined to make Mair’s dream come true.
“We are always looking for new and exciting ways to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and the Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way of doing just that,” she said.
“When the team heard that Mair would like to relive her special memories by meeting the Welsh rugby squad, we knew we had to make it happen.
“Mair has been smiling ever since we returned and has enjoyed telling the other residents about her fantastic day. We are delighted we’ve been able to make Mair’s try-mendous wish come true.”
Sarah Nash, Senior Marketing Manager at the Welsh Rugby Union, said the visit reflected the deep connection between rugby and Welsh communities.
“Rugby in Wales has never just been about the result. It is about connection, pride and community,” she said.
“Mair’s story captures something very special. Bringing her wish to life was about far more than a visit – it was about honouring loyalty, heritage and belonging.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be involved and see Mair light up, especially when speaking her mother tongue. She really is a special lady. Diolch Mair.”
Llys Herbert provides residential, dementia and respite care, with facilities including a cinema, café and hair salon designed to help residents live active and fulfilling lives.
