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There have been many greatest XV teams on social media in current weeks following the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. CF10 Trust and Cardiff Blues have also got in on the act with readers being able to vote for their selections by those names being put forward. It has certainly been entertaining seeing people’s thoughts, and that’s why I was delighted when Cardiff Rugby Museum asked me to put together a greatest XV, but this time look at a greatest team of uncapped players who have graced the field playing rugby for Cardiff.

Long before the days of Bruiser, Cardiff RFC also had its own bear mascot. It was acquired originally for the South Africa tour in 1967 and was described by a player of that era as a “king size teddy bear dressed in full playing kit with a cap and boots and even a number (24) on its back" The bear wore a Keith Rowlands scarf in honour of the captain who was unable to lead his side on that tour as a result of injury. The bear was named “ Shaunee “ though nobody seems to remember why.

Over the past few months a great deal of work has been going on to catalogue all the artefacts in the Hubert Johnson room. Some of the items have been temporarily packed away and put into safe storage whilst other items have been rearranged into the current display. Choosing a favourite from the items we have is difficult, but I think of all the items of Memorabilia from Cardiff and the international Rugby world that one of my favourite items is actually sited in the members' bar. Many of you may not even have noticed it, or barely given it a second glance whilst others may have seen it but not realised it’s significance.