A lifelong rugby fan was thrilled after her care home arranged for her to meet some of the Welsh rugby team.
Care UK’s Llys Herbert, on Ty-Draw Road in Cardiff, pulled out all the stops for 91-year-old resident Mair Owen when team members discovered her wish to meet the Welsh squad.
Mair travelled to The Vale for a behind-the-scenes experience and enjoyed lunch during her special visit. She brought along her favourite player Alun Wyn Jones’ autobiography for the occasion and was delighted to receive a signed 2026 rugby shirt from all the current players.
Reflecting on the experience, Mair said: “It was a very good day out. Rugby has become a way of life, and it’s embedded in me. I really enjoyed having conversations in Welsh with certain players!
“I love watching the rugby at Llys Herbert, especially with other residents, as they are rugby fans too. I’m Welsh, so it’s important for me to support my team.”
Having lived in Wales her entire life, Mair has many treasured memories of watching matches at Cardiff Arms Park. She remembers one of her very first games – Wales vs England – where Wales claimed a memorable victory. Mair said, “I watched the match in 1961 with my brother in-law, Hywel.”
Meeting several players from the current Welsh squad reminded Mair of her lifelong love of rugby and took her back to the moments that first sparked her passion for the game. That passion began about 65 years ago, inspired by her brother-in-law, Dewi Bebb, who played for Wales in his younger years.
The trip was organised as part of the care home’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.
Suzanne Tullett, Home Manager at Llys Herbert, said: “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and The Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way of doing just that.
“When the team heard that Mair would like to relive her special memories by meeting the Welsh rugby squad, we knew we had to make it happen.
“Mair has been smiling ever since we returned and has enjoyed telling the other residents about her fantastic day. We are delighted we’ve been able to make Mair’s try-mendous wish come true.”
Sarah Nash, Senior Marketing Manager at the Welsh Rugby Union, said: ”Rugby in Wales has never just been about the result. It is about connection, pride and community.
”Mair’s story captures something very special. Bringing her wish to life was about far more than a visit. It was about honouring loyalty, heritage and belonging.
”It was an absolute pleasure to be involved and see Mair light up especially when using her Mother tongue. She really is a special lady. Diolch Mair.”
