In an emotive recognition of the part that rugby plays in people’s lives, the Welsh Rugby Union decided to let people across Wales - including steelworkers - announce the 2023 Rugby World Cup Squad.
Opening the video that was shown across all the WRU social media channels, Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “Being selected for Wales to represent your country in a World Cup is a very proud and special moment for the players and their families.
“We’ve asked a huge number of people from all across Wales for those players who are representing you, the three million people of Wales, to announce the World Cup Squad in France 2023.”
As the forwards and then the backs were announced alphabetically, Tata Steel’s Social Media & PR specialist, Abi Thomas ,was up first, announcing back row forward Taine Basham’s inclusion in the squad.
People from towns, villages, workplaces and rugby clubs across the country read out the names of those players selected for the squad.
As the announcement got to the backs, more steelworkers were involved: Lloyd Hayden announced fullback (and former steelworker!) Liam Williams, from in front of the iconic Port Talbot Blast Furnace 4, before Nathan Egan announced scrum half, Tomos Williams, from the Casthouse floor.
Those who work in Tata Steel in Wales know that the steel industry is more than just a workplace, it is a family and part of the fabric of Welsh society. So what better people to represent Wales as it announces its national squad, than our very own #steelheroes
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