Our History

The invitation to Genoa was extended to the Welsh Academicals as a replacement team. England had been invited to send a side but though willing were unable to give an assurance of acceptance because of a proposed South African tour and the element of doubt hanging over it. When England decided to go to South Africa we went to Italy instead of them.

We were asked to include some current Welsh apped players, for the Zebre planned to field a full International XV. They had extended invitations to Roger Gould of Australia plus Alex Woodman and Simon Smith who were the current England Under-23 half backs.

The game was played on the evening of Friday,1 June, at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, the home of Sampdoria football club. This was the first time that football had been played at this ground with its capacity of around 50,000. The standard reached by the Italian side was extremely high, and a the game progressed it became a very attractive spectacle much appreciated by the 20,000 or so onlookers who attended. The Zebre won by 15-12 and I remember feeling that any future Welsh team visiting Italy should not be surprised if the standard of refereeing left a question mark over it.

The Italians' hospitality was generous and their administration first-class. Our players performed to their highest standard, and their behaviour was a credit to our Club and the name of Welsh Rugby.

Welsh Academicals playing strength: Jeff Squire (capt), Chris Collins, Paul Daniel, Gareth Davies, Alun Donovan, Huw Gilson, Owen Golding, Martin Gravell, Terry Holmes, Nathan Humphreys, Kevin Hopkins, Rhodri Lewis, Robert Newman, Robert Norster, John Perkins, Mark Titley, Kerry Townley, Gareth Roberts