A FORMER rugby player is leading the support for the Welsh rugby team at his nursing home in Monmouth.

Tommy Grocutt, aged 82, played rugby for his hometown team of Machen and for Swansea University, and has been cheering Wales on as they maintained their 100% record at the World Cup.

The former teacher is now a resident at the Gibraltar Nursing Home in Monmouth, and along with his 95 fellow residents is keeping a close eye on the Welsh team’s progress in Japan.

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Having watched the team's latest victory against Fiji, where Wales had to come back from being 10-0 down, Mr Grocutt said he was always confident Wales would finish victorious despite the early setback.

“I knew we would win,” he said. “We just need to focus more.”

Mr Grocutt is now backing the team to go all the way.

“We are doing well to be in the last 8, but by working together as a strong team, should get us a win overall,” he said.

 

South Wales Argus: Mr Grocutt in the 1964-65 Machen RFC team. Picture: courtesy of Machen RFCMr Grocutt in the 1964-65 Machen RFC team. Picture: courtesy of Machen RFC  

On his love for the game, Mr Grocutt said: “I could tell you what happened in any of the Welsh international matches all through the 1970s, and I used to be involved in the rugby club committee and the welfare committee.”

Mr Grocutt’s love of rugby has even taken him to Australia, to watch Wales play.

When asked what he needs to make watching a game a perfect experience, he refused the suggestion of a few pints of beer, preferring to watch it with friends who can crowd together and yell “come on Wales” at all the right moments.