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‘I didn’t teach him that!’: Bryan Habana’s Welsh language reaction to Lions win surprises S4C presenter

24 Jul 2021 2 minute read
Bryan Habana speaking with Sarra Elgan Easterby. Picture by S4C

Springbok legend Bryan Habana surprised S4C presenter Sarra Elgan Easterby after he delivered a Welsh language verdict on today’s Lions match.

The World Cup winner turned to the camera and said ‘Tro nesaf, tro ni’ – ‘Next time, it’ll be our turn’ after Lions fought back from a nine point deficit at half-time to win 22-17.

A surprised Sarra Elgan Easterby said ‘Wow, learn that yourself, did you?’ before adding in Welsh ‘I didn’t teach him that!’

Bryan Habana had earlier opened the segment by saying in Welsh that he was ‘Ddim yn dda’ – ‘Not good’ after the Springboks squandered their first-half lead.

The former South African wing, who is considered one of the game’s greats, has been appearing on the Welsh language channel as an analyst of the Lions tour and has made regular use of Welsh during his appearances.

Last week he had praised his co-presenter Sarra Elgan Easterby for her teaching skills, after he continued to wow S4C’s audience with his mastery of the Welsh language.

His contributions have won praise on social media with Sarra Easterby herself taking to Twitter to praise him as a “linguist”.

Bryan Habana responded that “I must have a good teacher Sarra Elgan… mor dda (so good).”

During his analysis of the Lions’ performances Bryan Habana had been commenting that it was a “noswaith dda” (good evening), “gêm gyffrous heno” (an exciting game tonight), “mae’n oer yn Ellis Park” (it’s cold in Ellis Park), and also responding to a questions in Welsh about how he is and what tea he liked.

“I’ll be fluent in three weeks,” he added.


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Chris
Chris
2 years ago

Bryan Hanana was a fantastic player, is a great presenter, and has always seemed a kind, friendly and respectful man.
And after a few very short weeks has learned enough Cymraeg to be eligible for a government job here.
Tory Unionists take note. Whilst you were busy bawling into your Earl Grey at the thought of speaking anything except the queen’s, the one time best winger in the world has surpassed all of you.

Alan Reilly
Alan Reilly
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Agreed 100%. Wonderful what a bit of respect can do!

Sorry for the comment about not agreeing with you often yesterday… I had you mixed up with someone else.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  Alan Reilly

Not a problem Alan. I wouldn’t take offence at people disagreeing with me anyway.

Vaughan
Vaughan
2 years ago

Mae’n codi cywilydd ar nifer o Gymry di-Gymraeg o’r byd rygbi sydd hyd yn oed yn methu dweud “Diolch” ar ddiwedd cyfweliad.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

Who said it was safe? It’s a nice fluff piece of someone actually giving respect and winning friends. Now obviously from the tone of your post, neither of those things are important to you. But if you want to rudely tell people what they should think and do, you should go and make your own newsy website full of things that you think are important. I’m sure you’d be a big hit!

CJ
CJ
2 years ago

Good on him, colloquial pleasantries and trying Is a sign of respect and support, This guy definitely has class. I’m not Welsh but love living here, I think a few basics and trying to pick up everyday common use phrases as we go along is important, we have to start somewhere.

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