The family connection bonding two Welsh rugby-playing names
IT was one of the best images from Wales’ victory over Italy but not many people actually know about the connection between Thomas Young and Ross Moriarty.
No.8 Moriarty was photographed hugging Young and giving the Six Nations debut-maker a smacker following the 26-15 Six Nations success in Rome.
Moriarty posted the picture on Instagram with the words: “Proud moment for both families, future brothers-in-law lining up together.”
Young is due to marry Ross’ sister Emma Moriarty in June. The couple have been going out together for about eight years and tie the knot before Wales’ preparations for the World Cup begin in earnest.
Young and Ross Moriarty had stood next to each other during the national anthems at the Stadio Olimpico.
Young’s proud father Dai Young was “gobsmacked” when he found out Thomas was going out with Emma.
For Dai had made his debut for Wales as a 19-year-old prop during the memorable 16-3 quarter-final triumph over England at the inaugural World Cup of 1987 after being drafted into the squad as a replacement.
In the back-row for Wales that day was Paul Moriarty, the father of Emma, with the team being skippered by her uncle and Paul’s brother Richard Moriarty.
That team went on to finish third in the world – a result which Wales haven’t bettered with their best since being fourth in 2011 – by pipping Australia in the bronze medal play-off in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Dai Young and Paul Moriarty were also team-mates in the Wales side that ran its way to a Triple Crown in 1988.
Young senior, who is coach of English Premiership club Wasps, went on to skipper Wales in both codes and led its rugby league team to the semi-finals of the 1995 13-a-side World Cup with Paul Moriarty a key member of the pack. ■ Meanwhile, Elinor Snowsill had an unexpected visitor when she made her 50th Wales Women appearance during the 3-3 draw with Italy in Lecce.
For the outside-half’s godfather Alan Pritchard made the 5,898 mile trip from the United States of America to watch her earn the accolade.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind really. It shows how much support we get as players with all the messages I got from home on the day of the game and little gifts to mark the milestone,” said Snowsill.
“I even found out my godfather flew over from Texas for the match. I didn’t realise until I saw him afterwards.”