Wales Thanks Warren At Charity Dinner

Prostate Cymru was the nominated charity at the farewell dinner of ambassador and Welsh Rugby Union Head Coach Warren Gatland OBE on Thursday 15^th August. The grand event, titled “Diolch Warren – Thanks For The Grand Slams”, was organised by Engagesport and sponsored by Oil4Wales.

Over four hundred guests including local businesses, Prostate Cymru’s trustees, Welsh rugby legends and current members of the Welsh Rugby Union squad attended the exclusive evening. Guests arrived at The Vale Resort, Hensol from 6:45pm where they were treated to a champagne reception before heading into the Castle Suite for the event to start at 7:30pm. Miniature bottles of Brecon Gin and Penderyn Whisky awaited guests on the tables in addition to commemorative event programmes featuring a touching tribute by journalist and fan Carolyn Hitt. After a welcome to the event, attendees enjoyed a delicious three course meal with wines followed by freshly brewed coffee and homemade Welsh chocolates.

Leading sports broadcaster and former England rugby star Martin Bayfield was the master of ceremonies, guiding the guests through the exclusive and intimate farewell in celebration of Gatland’s remarkable career as Wales’ Head Coach. Martin hosted an animated Q & A with Warren as they reminisced about the latter’s successful twelve-year stint coaching Wales which saw him lead the national team to win four Six Nations titles including three grand slams and reach the semi-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The duo were seated next to the Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown, displaying Warren and the team’s most recent achievements. The discussion also celebrated Warren’s victories as British and Irish Lions Coach and looked ahead to the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan, his final games in charge of the team. Additionally, messages of thanks and good luck were shared including a video message from Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon as their ‘Gavin and Stacey’ characters Nessa and Uncle Bryn!

Throughout the evening guests were encouraged to partake in the fundraising activities for Prostate Cymru, the nominated charity for the event personally chosen by ambassador Warren Gatland OBE. Activities included a raffle, live auction and silent auction. There were a number of quality prizes to be won including a unique Grand Slam ‘Gats’ Grogg, signed sports memorabilia such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s boxing gloves, luxury breaks close to home and further afield in locations such as Tuscany and the Pyrenees, and exclusive experiences shared with rugby stars George North, Gareth Davies, Cory Hill and Gareth Anscombe to name a few.