Hi Everyone,
Well it’s been another crazy year at the Groggshop- no changes there.. The ups and downs of the rugby have kept us on our toes but as they say – it’s never boring! The Welsh boys finally came up with the big win which they thoroughly deserved. I was lucky enough to be at all three major Autumn internationals and I’ve never seen a Wales team try harder to win. Against South Africa they finally broke the dam – here’s hoping they continue to play with such intensity and focus- it was an immense performance. Being at that game buried an old hoodoo for me as I missed the only other time Wales beat the Sprinboks. My daughter Sophie went with my Dad in 1999 to witness Graham Henry’s Wales defeat South Africa for the first time in History. As you can imagine my daughter has never let me forget it so I was doubly glad we beat them again! With our 50th anniversary year coming up and a World Cup it makes the prospect of 2015 a mouth-watering one. The nerves are already kicking in about “The Big One” on February the 6th! As with any campaign we couldn’t wish for a better opening fixture- I can’t wait.
As to new Groggs a lot of players have put their hands up for Grogg selection. There were five ungrogged players who started the Autumn tests -all of them would make terrific Groggs. I have begun working on one player already and of course I will also be making a start the Anniversary piece very soon but it will remain another closely guarded secret until next year. There will be one or two surprises to be announced after the Christmas holiday and Carly will keep everyone updated as usual on our social media about those- so keep watching the internet for updates.
Who’s next?
Finally a big thank you once again to our moulders, grinders and painters for their stirling efforts this year in keeping our collectors happy. Many thanks to our collectors themselves who I’m sure will be looking forward as keenly as us to 2015 and last but not least to the men in red -our main inspiration-keep up the great work boys- let’s hope next year is a golden year for Wales as well as the Groggshop- you never know!
In the meantime…Have a very “Groggy” Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Best Wishes,
Richard,
World of Groggs
