Fusilier Llywelyn is new kid on the block
THERE’S a new kid on the block at Wales’ rugby internationals this autumn – and he can be as feisty as the players.
Fusilier Llywelyn is the goat borrowed from the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh by the 3rd Battalion to replace the late Lance Corporal Shenkin III.
Shenkin, who died in September aged seven and a half, was the regimental mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh and was well known for leading the team out at Welsh rugby internationals.
Llywelyn, on the other hand, is not used to the limelight of the Principality Stadium. He’s also been known to issue the odd headbutt.
“I gather he has got a few people in the past, and he did it to me in the first couple of days,” said Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson.
Llywelyn made his first appearance at Wales’ clash against Australia last weekend.
“Llywelyn is not used to that type of stadium and that number of people, so he was very jumpy (last weekend),” Sgt Jackson said.
“As we come down to the half way line, the band normally go static and I normally march down to the entrance ready to meet Wales. Due to his unsteadiness we elected to march straight back off.
“He’s a little bit feisty and we did not know how he was going to react to the players and fans and to other people.”
The decision was made after a “risk assessment for health and safety”.
After Wales’ defeat to Australia, Llywelyn and his handler met WRU patron Prince William.
“We did get to see Prince William,” Sgt Jackson said. “That was fine because we were in a static position and it was a lot quieter.”
After the autumn internationals, a new Shenkin will be selected for the 3rd Battalion.
Shenkin III was born and bred from the Royal Herd at the Great Orme in Llandudno.
Goats from the herd have been presented to the Regiment since Queen Victoria first presented the Royal Welch Fusiliers with its first official Royal goat more than 100 years ago in 1844.
After Shenkin’s death, a letter was sent to the Queen informing her of the news, and asking permission for the regiment to get a new goat.