1905 - more than just Rugby

When the national anthem rings out in Cardiff on Saturday, spirits will be lifted and voices will be raised in song. Hearing those first stirring notes of Mae Hen Wald Fy Nhadau previously, you may not have been aware of a very direct connection with Christ College. 

In 1905 the Welsh Rugby team faced an unconquered touring New Zealand team at Cardiff, beginning a rivalry that has endured for 120 years. It is part of the school’s rugby history that the team included three Old Breconians, Willie Llewellyn, Teddy Morgan and J F (Scethrog) Williams. Much less well known is the impact of the opening of the game on the history of world sporting occasions.

The Originals, who weren't known as the All Blacks until the end of their 1905 tour, hadn't lost a match by the time they met the Welsh side. Knowing they would be faced with the psychologically powerful Haka, the Welsh team were determined not to be outdone. 

Depending on which newspaper report of the time you read, Willie Llewellyn (Christ College 1892-1899) or Teddy Morgan (Christ College 1889-1896) led the 42,000 crowd in singing Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as a provocative response. It certainly had the desired effect. 

Dave Gallagher, captain of the the 1905 New Zealand national team, later wrote about the experience and the spirirt of Welsh rugby - in an era when rugby was known as 'football'. 

Imagine some 40,000 people singing their national anthem with all the fervour of which the Celtic heart is capable. It was the most impressive incident I have ever witnessed on a football field. It gave a semi-religious solemnity to this memorable contest, intensely thrilling, even awe-inspiring. It was a wonderful revelation of the serious spirit in which the Welsh take their football.

It was the first time a national anthem had been sung at a stadium before an international match in any sport. In 1905 it worked its magic. With a try scored by Teddy Morgan, the Originals suffered their only defeat (3-0) in the whole tour. 

We can never be sure which of the two contenders actually began the singing in 1905, but there is no doubt that it was an Old Breconian who began a tradition that is now so familiar - no matter what country and no matter what sport.

You may find this hard to believe, but it really is true!

Find out more on the sporting landmarks website.