Man wins in Rome before Welsh rugby disappointment

In a weekend of trials and tribulations for Welsh sport in Italy, one man emerged victorious in Rome.

Ian Williams, from Pembrokeshire, was visiting the Italian capital in the hope of seeing Warren Gatland’s team break their record-breaking losing run.

A 14th Test defeat in a row ensured that would not happen.

But for Ian, the day was not a total loss, as he claimed victory in the Caffarella Parkrun ensuring one Welshman was victorious in the Eternal City.

Like many Welsh rugby fans, Ian arrived in Rome on Thursday morning as part of a group of friends and family.

It was the first time he had been to Italy for a Six Nations match after previous trips to Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, and the Principality Stadium back home.

Ian said he likes to stay active when he travels as it is “a great way to explore the city”.

Ian and his brother Evan decided to enter the Cafarella Parkrun, set in a picturesque rural landscape just outside of the city centre.

It took place on the Saturday morning before the rugby.

Ian said he had never done a Parkrun abroad before despite being an avid runner.

“Me and my brother got up in time, the other boys stayed in bed. We wanted to try and do something constructive,” he said.

Initially the plan was to run together, but that all changed when they came up against a fellow runner from Wales.

“You never know what you’re going to get when you turn up,” he said.

“After a few hundred metres, someone from Snowdonia ran past and the competitive spirit set in.”

Ian ended up winning the race with a time of 17 minutes 20 seconds. His brother came a very respectable 4th, while the man from Snowdonia came third.

It was even a dry morning in Rome which made the win all the more enjoyable for Ian.

He said the “heavens only opened when we got to the stadium” which seems appropriate considering the final score.

But that did not dampen the spirits of Ian and the travelling Pembrokeshire party.

“The boys were relieved that at least we had one Welsh win on the day,” he said.

Ian said it was a disappointing result considering it is the only game of this year’s tournament that he will attend in person.

But Ian was determined to enjoy the rest of his time in the Italian capital.

After “hitting a few bars and singing a few songs” on the Saturday night it was time to come home.

He said his wife found it “amusing” that he had deserted his brother in pursuit of glory.

After tasting success, he is certain it ill not be his last Parkrun abroad.

Hopefully next time the success will translate on the pitch as well as off it.