Grand Slam 1950

After three Grand Slams in four seasons, Wales had to wait thirty-nine years before their fourth came to fruition.

As in the first three Grand Slams, Wales played England in the opening match. The match marked the debut of Lewis Jones: an 18-year-old then, but now widely regarded as one of the most brilliant backs in the game's history. Jones slotted two goals in the 11-5 victory. Cardiff hero Bleddyn Williams was named as captain for the match, but withdrew because of injury and Edinburgh Wanderers' back rower John Gwilliam went on to lead Wales to two Grand Slams in three seasons. Wales's victory over England was only the second recorded at Twickenham.

Scotland were the next side to be put to the Welsh sword, losing 12-0 at St Helen's, but Grand Slam hopes nearly came to a grinding halt at Ravenhill in the third match. Wales and Ireland were locked at 3-3 in the final minute when winger Malcolm Thomas sprinted for the corner from 15 metres out.

Thomas dived over the line in the tackle of several defenders, knocking the corner flag out in the process. Irish touch judge Ossie Glasgow didn't have a problem with the try, although he was the only Irishman at the ground that didn't, and Scottish referee RA Beattie signaled the try for a 6-3 victory. Sadly, the victory was overshadowed by events the following day, as eighty Wales fans returning from Ireland were killed when a plane crashed at Llandow Airfield, near Cowbridge.

It was left to France, whipping boys in the first three Slams but by now hugely improved, to stop the Grand Slam. France, however, never got going and legendary Wales winger Ken Jones ran in two tries in a comfortable 21-0 victory at the Arms Park.

Captain: JA Gwilliam

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Wales on WRU TV

Re-live Wales England and look forward to Judgement Day on the Principality WRU Podcast. We hear from captain Gethin Jenkins, coach Rob Howley, Alex Cuthbert and Sam Warburton. Jonathan Davies and Rob Sidoli look back and forward to Judgement Day. We also speak to coach Rhys Edwards, along with Catrin Edwards, Jenny Davies and Elinor Snowsill as Wales Women qualify for the next World Cup, as well as assistant coach Richard Hodges and scrum half Rhodri Williams as Wales U20 narrowly miss out on a Grand Slam.

All the build up to the England game on the Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We hear from coach Rob Howley, captain Gethin Jenkins, as well as Ian Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts and Mike Phillips. We also hear from a star-studded line-up for the National Anthem, as well as Wales U20s preparing for their Grand Slam bid.

Wales in Scotland on the Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We hear from caretaker coach Rob Howley and captain Ryan Jones about the test awaiting Wales in Scotland. Jamie Roberts talks about combining his medicine finals with the Six Nations, Alun Wyn Jones on his return, plus George North and Dan Biggar assess their progress. We speak to Wales U20 coach Danny Wilson, captain Ellis Jenkins, lock Rhodri Hughes and openside Dan Thomas, while Wales Sevens coach Paul John looks ahead to the World Cup.

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