2019 Six Nations: Wales rugby fans celebrate title win and grand slam
Warren Gatland’s side beat Ireland in Cardiff to secure the championship
Six Nations round five results
- Italy 14 France 25
- Wales 25 Ireland 7
- England 38 Scotland 38
Wales are the 2019 Six Nations champions after a 25-7 victory over Ireland gave them the title and the grand slam.
Warren Gatland’s side were dominant during the victory in Cardiff as an early try from Hadleigh Parkes set them on their way with Gareth Anscombe adding the conversion.
Anscombe also scored six penalties before Jordan Larmour scored a late try for Ireland which was converted by Jack Carty.
It was a fitting end to Warren Gatland’s final Six Nations match as Wales head coach. The New Zealander, who leaves the role after the Rugby World Cup in the autumn, becomes the first coach to win three grand slams after the previous successes in 2008 and 2012.
Speaking to the BBC Gatland said: “It was a fantastic performance, we didn’t look too tired did we? We spoke beforehand about the players playing for themselves, their families and the fans and being able to create a bit of history. You can never take that away from them now.
“I said if we won the first game against France we’ve got a good chance of winning the whole thing. If that creates that bit of belief in the players then maybe something like this can happen.”
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, the man-of-the-match, added: “Anything can happen when you work hard and you’re a proud nation and we’ve shown that.
“Warren’s the man at the top and we’ve been under pressure but he’s always been unwavering. He’s got a bit left on his contract but I’m sure we’ll miss him when he’s eventually gone.
“At times we’ve been unconvincing so we like to think there’s still potential in us. We’re well aware we’ve just put a big target on our backs before the World Cup.”
Wales finish top of the 2019 Six Nations standings with 23 points and five wins from their five matches. England, who drew 38-38 with Scotland on Saturday, finished second. Ireland were third, France fourth, Scotland fifth and Italy finished bottom.
