How to be a Welshman in England during the 6 Nations final

With the beard of a Scotsman, an English accent, and the drinking ability of an Irishman, I often surprise people when I’m seen supporting Wales.

This gets even more confusing during the Six Nations when I’m invited to the pub to watch rugby and turn up in my Wales jersey and awkwardly sit and watch England play Italy.

I tried to pull a welsh face. It came out wrong.

Supporting Wales in an city with one of the best premiership rugby teams is not easy on the best of days.

Donning the red jersey is often an invitation for cries of “sheep shagger” and baaing, but during competition time this gets even more “fun”.

For any other Welshman struggling to cope with the pressures of being a Welsh rugby fan in an English town, here’s a handy a guide. Read it and survive.

Don’t be cocky

We know Wales, we know they play good rugby, but we also know they can only do so for 70 minutes. Don’t start celebrating early, or England fans laugh at you and it stings.

Find a good pub

This is crucial as a good friendly pub serves two purposes: a supply of beer and a good atmosphere.

Rugby fans are usually a light-hearted bunch, and during the Six Nations you need to get the positivity flowing. And of course, with a bar nearby you can easily celebrate those constant Welsh victories…

Or get the bar to reserve you a seat

Be gracious in victory

Think back to how much you hated the English goading us after they beat us, and if people laugh when we lose, just think back to the Lions tour where Wales practically beat Australia single-handedly.

And how much better George North is than Johnny Wilkinson.

Drink

You’re Welsh remember, we have but three facets to our culture: rugby, singing, and drinking. Pick your poison of choice (an ale is traditional), and if the game starts going against us, start necking.

A good set of rules is also important (scull your pint for a try, drink on the tighthead etc). And make sure to stick to them.

Courtesy of @WelshDalaiLama

Have pride

Wear the three flowers with your head held high, sing Land of Our Fathers with gusto and heart, and even when we inevitably cock up, still cheer the team on.

Be passionate, show the English how real fans support their side.

Pride.

And above all else, be grateful you’re not Scottish.

Bless ’em.