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Watch the stunning anthem sung with passion at the Wales v Italy game

14 Mar 2026 2 minute read
Wales players and the crowd belt out the anthem at the Principality Stadium (BBC)

After the Welsh Rugby Union has announced plans for a major change to the singing of the national anthem during Six Nations matches at the Principality Stadium, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau has never sounded better.

Following demand and fans having their say the WRU has announced that the anthem would be performed acapella at all home fixtures for the 2026 Six Nations.

The change has come about after the performing of the anthem acapella ahead of the Autumn International match against the All Blacks.

The singing of the anthem before that game tied in with the 120th anniversary of Wales singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ahead of a rugby union international for the first time.

While the game may have ended in a predictable 52-26 victory for New Zealand, it was marked by a sensational acapella anthem which sounded absolutely immense.

Just as the Football Association of Wales pioneered the acapella version of the anthem to such great effect at the Cardiff City Stadium before games, the Welsh Rugby Union has listened to feedback from fans and now intend to keep this approach in place.

Simply put, it sounds so much better.

The sound of 70,000 voices bellowing out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as if their lives depended on it stirs the emotions of both players and fans at the stadium.

When the opening burst of the anthem fades and the crowd takes over it is truly one of the greatest sights and sounds in world sport.

And today’s anthem against Italy sung with gusto an passion under a closed roof more than justified this approach.

Watch the acapella anthem ahead of the Italy game:


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