Wales going for a song with Terfel
WALES hope to hit the high notes both on and off the field at the World Cup.
Warren Gatland’s squad plan on sealing global glory in Japan, but they have also been practising their singing with guidance from legendary Welsh opera performer Bryn Terfel.
After arriving in Japan yesterday, Wales will get down to work on the training field but at Monday’s welcome and capping ceremony in Kitakyushu they are set to show off their voices.
At the 2015 World Cup Wales performed famous historical Welsh song Ar Lan y Mor, with hooker Ken Owens leading the way, and a repeat performance is expected this time in the Far East.
Gatland has told his team to embrace the country’s cultural diversity and said: “There is a booklet being given to the players on what to do in Japan.
“Even if there is no traffic you don’t cross the road until the sign says go and there is no eating food in the street.
“We have to make sure the players behave in public and cover up their tattoos. We just have to make sure we are prepared culturally. We are already doing a bit of choir practice if we are called upon to sing.
“We have been good in the past about going to the country and being prepared for the differences.”
Wales have been boosted by positive injury news on Rhys Patchell (concussion) and Cory Hill (leg) although the latter remains touch and go for their World Cup opener against Georgia on September 23.
Gatland said: “Staying injury free is a good start. It’s important to build as you go.”