The a capella version of the anthem proved a big success in the autumn
15:25, 30 Jan 2026Updated 15:40, 30 Jan 2026
Wales will sing the anthem a cappella for all Six Nations home matches(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced the national anthem will be sung a capella in all three home fixtures in this year’s Six Nations.
It follows the change to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau without the backing of the band in last year’s defeat to New Zealand in November. The a capella version produced a spine-tingling version of the anthem in the Principality Stadium as a result.
And, following the positive feedback, the WRU have announced all three home matches will have an a capella anthem.
Wales take on France, Scotland and Italy in Cardiff in this year’s tournament.
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The lack of musical backing has been a regular occurrence for the anthem when it comes to Wales’ football team, with fans even singing it at crucial points of the match.
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau has traditionally been sung with a band at the Principality Stadium for rugby internationals.
However, the decision to change for the All Blacks clash last year was to mark the 120-year anniversary since it was first sang at a rugby international.
,,Epic Wales anthem v New Zealand
That fixture was, coincidentally, also against New Zealand in 1905.
On that day, it served as a spontaneous response to the Haka.
It was also the first time an anthem was sung before any sporting fixture.
At the time, many called for the change to be made permanent.
One fan on social media said: “WOW. We just had the anthem at the rugby without the instruments for the first time in years, and it was genuinely incredible.”
Another added: “Sorry, but that is how the Welsh national anthem should always be sung. The fans, the players, the passion.”
Countless others from all over the world were blown away, with one English viewer saying: “Can someone send the Welsh singing their national anthem to the English football team and tell em that’s how it’s done!”