From Namibia to the Principality: A memorable day for Utumuna

On a typically Welsh Sunday afternoon in November—cloudy skies and all—the Welsh Refugee Council had the privilege of watching Wales take on Fiji at the Principality Stadium as part of the Autumn Internationals. Thanks to the generosity of our fantastic partners at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), we had tickets in hand for a day that turned out to be unforgettable for one special family.

Our guests of honour were Utumuna, his mum Nancy, and his younger siblings—refugees from Namibia who are making Wales their new home. It was their first time experiencing the electric atmosphere of Welsh rugby’s heart and soul, and what an introduction it was!

Although the scoreboard didn’t end in our favour, the joy on Utumuna’s and his family’s faces was a win in itself. For Nancy and the kids, it was a day of cheers, community, and a crash course in Welsh passion for the game.

Rugby has already played a big role in Utumuna’s journey here in Wales. He recently featured in a WRU Impact Report video, sharing how the sport has helped him settle into his new life. Joining Cardiff and Vale College’s rugby team has given him not just a chance to hone his skills but also to make friends and feel a sense of belonging. Talk about hitting the ground running—or, in this case, tackling!

While the result wasn’t what we’d hoped for (Fiji, could you not?), the generosity of the WRU ensured that this Namibian-Welsh adventure ended in smiles, laughs, and memories that will last a lifetime. Diolch yn fawr to the WRU for putting joy in their hearts and in ours too.

Here’s to more days like this—and perhaps a little less heartbreak on the pitch next time!