How the Wales Rugby Shirt Represents The Nation's Pride
When it comes to national pride then it has to be said that the Wales rugby shirt represents the essence of Wales.
As most rugby followers will know, Wales has been a dominant force in world rugby for well over 100 years. In fact Wales won the British championship six times in the first 12 years of its existence. It was during this time that the famous red Wales rugby shirt became feared by all opponents, and the team enjoyed a 13 year run where they were unbeaten at home.
During the 1970s and 80s, Wales enjoyed a golden era winning the Five Nations Title no less than five times. They also won five Triple Crowns and three Grand Slams. No rugby nation has enjoyed such dominance since that famous era winning 25 games out of 30.
The bright red of the national Wales rugby shirt is instantly recognizable as a Welsh icon. The Prince of Wales feather which makes up part of the logo along with the gold coronet is a further proud reminder of the Welsh rugby team’s heritage.
This pride has come through some difficult times as well. The slump in fortunes after the golden era of the 70s and 80s, would have tested the loyalty of many a rugby side, let alone a nation as proud as Wales.
During a 20 year period the team suffered the indignity of loss and indeed at one stage, even having to qualify against the world's lowest ranked teams to gain entry into the World Cup.
The pride and perseverance of the Welsh rugby supporting public may have been tested but it never faltered as the team management slowly took control of a code under fire from other professional sports. Players were continually being drafted into other rugby codes and this, coupled with dramatic changes in the economic conditions prevailing in Wales particularly in the mining and coal industries, nearly bought Welsh rugby to its knees.
But in typical fashion the nation never abandoned its deep rugby roots and the difficulties were confronted head-on in typical Welsh fashion. New management was appointed, new facilities built, and a team built on the pride and heart of the past was slowly developed.
Finally the team was molded with the best coaching staff and facilities available so that once again the pride of the Wales Rugby shirt has been restored to its rightful place. | 
