CARDIFFREMEMBERED Rugby tales from behind the scenes at Millennium Stadium

HAVING been a racecourse commentator and a racehorse owner, Gwyn Brace is a man of many parts.

The Vale of Glamorgan man is also one of the original founders of the South Wales Point-To-Point Injured Jockeys Fund as well as being one of its trustees.

And, a big rugby fan, he’s also had a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the big moments in recent Welsh rugby history.

He recalls: “I was employed by the Welsh Rugby Union in the health and security department in the Millennium Stadium – now the Principality Stadium – for 14 years commencing with the Rugby World Cup in 1999.

“During this time I met many personalities from all walks of life especially from rugby and football, bearing in mind that in the 2000s a number of cup finals and league play-offs were played there.

“Two memorable moments always remain with me.

“In November 2006, when Wales played the All Blacks, owing to a dispute over the timing slots for the haka the All Blacks refused to perform it on the pitch, as it was traditionally always the last on before the start of the match.

“Just before the kick-off I had occasion to go and speak with Graham Henry, the All Blacks coach.

“On entering their dressing room I will was confronted with the full team doing the haka in the warm-up area alongside the changing area.

“On the pitch it is an awesome sight but, believe me, in the confines of that small area it was something else!”

Gwyn tells of another memorable occasion on one otherwise ordinary week day.

“A lone male person came to our security office and politely asked if he could have a quick look at the pitch as he was on holiday in the area,” he said.

“I immediately recognised him as the retired legendary All Blacks forward Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads.

“Needless to say I spent a very interesting hour or so escorting him on a personal tour.

“On seeing the inside facilities and walking down the tunnel onto the pitch it was apparent that he would