Share

Bale predicts rugby ambush

London - Wales star Gareth Bale has declared that he believes football can overtake rugby union as the most popular sport in his homeland.

Whereas the Welsh rugby team are one of the world's strongest sides, winning three Six Nations Grand Slams in the past 10 years, the national football team have not reached a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Wales is traditionally seen as a nation of rugby-lovers, but ahead of the football team's key Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Bosnia-Hercegovina on Friday, Bale believes that could be about to change.

"I feel football can overtake rugby soon," the Real Madrid forward told reporters after being named Welsh Footballer of the Year for the fourth time at a ceremony in Cardiff on Monday.

"I remember when I was younger, the Millennium Stadium was full every time I went to watch (the Wales football team).

"Rugby has obviously overtaken it in recent years, but I feel football is on the incline and we can get a lot of fans to the games and get the support behind us.

"It's not only important for us as a team to get to a major championship, but as a nation as a whole. We want to inspire more kids to play football and become a better national team."

Bale scored twice to give Wales a narrow 2-1 win away to minnows Andorra in their opening Group B qualifying match last month, while Bosnia surprisingly went down 2-1 at home to Cyprus.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE