Wales prepare to take on the Azzurri in the Welsh capital in the final round of this year’s Six Nations
17:20, 13 Mar 2026Updated 07:49, 14 Mar 2026
Josh Adams and Ange Capuozzo embrace after Wales v Italy in 2022(Image: X.com/6 Nations)
Four years on, it remains one of the most memorable moments of sportsmanship seen on a Six Nations pitch.
As Wales prepare to host Italy in the final round of the 2026 championship, memories have resurfaced of a remarkable post-match gesture that was watched by millions.
The moment came at the end of the dramatic 2022 clash at the Principality Stadium, a game that will forever be remembered for the day Italy stunned Wales in extraordinary fashion.
After the final whistle, Welsh wing Josh Adams walked across the pitch looking for Ange Capuozzo.
Moments earlier, Capuozzo had produced a breathtaking piece of play. With the clock deep in the red, the Italian full-back burst clear down the touchline, beating multiple defenders before offloading inside for Edoardo Padovani to score.
Paolo Garbisi converted the try to seal a stunning 22-21 victory, Italy’s first Six Nations win in seven years and the end of a brutal 36-match losing streak in the championship.
It was a moment that left the Welsh crowd in disbelief.
But what happened next quickly captured attention far beyond Cardiff.
Adams had earlier been named man of the match by BBC pundit Jonathan Davies after a superb performance which included a brilliant late try and a crucial try-saving tackle.
Yet as Capuozzo celebrated Italy’s historic victory, Adams decided the award belonged elsewhere.
Still processing the heartbreak of defeat, the Welsh wing walked over to the then-22-year-old Italian, draped in a tricolour flag, and handed him the medal.
Capuozzo’s stunned expression said everything.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The gesture was replayed across television broadcasts and social media, with millions watching the simple but powerful act of sportsmanship.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan summed up the moment live on air.
“We heard Jonathan Davies give Josh Adams man of the match just moments before Capuozzo’s incredible break,” she said.
“Look at this beautiful moment where Adams gives it to Capuozzo. He receives that looking very emotional.
“I’m sure Jonathan Davies would endorse that as well if he could have changed his decision.”
Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Kitbag
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
from £,24.60
Kitbag
The Six Nations is running from February 5 to March 14 and Wales Rugby fans can get the latest jerseys, hoodies and more at Kitbag.
The match itself had looked to be turning Wales’ way late on.
Adams had produced a superb finish 12 minutes from time, cutting inside from the wing and powering through two defenders to score what appeared to be the decisive try.
Earlier in the game he had also produced a brilliant cover tackle to deny Italian wing Monty Ioane in the corner.
But Capuozzo had the final say.
The baby-faced full-back, who was making just his first Test start after a two-try debut against Scotland the week before, instantly became a star with that dazzling break.
Adams’ gesture ensured the match would be remembered not just for Italy’s historic win, but for a moment that captured the spirit of the game.
Adams will be starting once again this weekend, however Capuozzo will unfortunately miss the reunion after suffering an injury earlier in the tournament.
Fortunes of the two sides have differed greatly in those four years, with Wales currently rooted to the bottom of the table, while the Azzurri are chasing a history-making third win in a single Six Nations campaign.