Wales player gifts teacher debut jersey
THERE are few more prized possessions than the jersey you wear on winning your first cap for Wales.
But after making his Test debut against Fiji on the weekend, Christ Tshiunza knew exactly what he wanted to do with his shirt.
The teenager sought out his former teacher at Whitchurch High School, Steve Williams, and presented him with the jersey on the side of the Principality Stadium pitch.
He has now posted a video of that special moment on his Twitter account and it’s a pretty emotional watch.
As he approaches Williams, the giant 19-year-old says “The man himself ” before embracing him.
He then shakes his hand and says “I want you to have this” as he passes over the jersey, with the heartfelt response of those watching on speaking volumes.
Williams asks “Are you sure?” to which Tshiunza replies “Yeah” before they shake hands and embrace again.
It’s a moving moment. Williams, the long-serving director of rugby at Whitchurch, played a big part in guiding Tshiunza’s development as a player.
The youngster first excelled in athletics, catching the eye with his sprinting and at the high jump, taking part in the Welsh county championships.
But after taking up rugby with Rhiwbina RFC and at Whitchurch High under Williams, he rapidly made his mark in the second row, progressing through Cardiff Schools and into the Cardiff Blues pathway before being signed up by Exeter in 2019.
Having already been capped by Wales at U18s and U20s level, he is now a full Welsh international, having come on as a replacement lock in Saturday’s 38-23 victory over the Fijians.
During Williams’ long involvement with Whitchurch High, the school has produced a succession of sporting stars, including the likes of Sam Warburton, Gareth Bale and Geraint Thomas.
Former Wales and Lions captain Warburton commented: “Steve was great with me, doing breakdown drills with me on my own after school, which is why I think I had a head start at the breakdown over most teenagers.
“As an ex-player, he passed on plenty of wisdom. You could sense his competitiveness.
“He had a positive effect on all the players, especially me, because he was a former openside flanker.
“I know he has really guided Christ, who is a very respectful kid and thinks the world of Steve.”
Although now retired from teaching, Williams continues his link-up with Whitchurch High as estates director and is still involved on the rugby coaching front.