As Welsh rugby grapples with recent setbacks, the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Grand Slam victory offers a moment for reflection and celebration. On March 19, 2005, a watershed moment unfolded at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where Wales secured their first Grand Slam in 27 years. This triumph, unexpected and exhilarating, captured the imagination of a nation and etched itself into the annals of Welsh rugby history.

The atmosphere in Cardiff was electric. An estimated 74,376 spectators packed the Millennium Stadium, with countless more gathering in the city center. The sense of anticipation was palpable, fueled by victories against England, Italy, and France. The team, coached by Mike Ruddock, exuded confidence and flair, embodied by Gavin Henson's distinctive silver boots and golden tan. This team, a mix of experience and youth, managed to overcome expectation and adversity to secure a historic win.

The week leading up to the Grand Slam decider against Ireland was a whirlwind. The media frenzy reached fever pitch, with replica jerseys selling out and good luck messages pouring in. Coach Ruddock shielded his players from the external chaos, creating a bubble of focus and calm at their Vale of Glamorgan base. This isolation allowed the team to concentrate on the task at hand, undisturbed by the mounting pressure.

The match day atmosphere was unparalleled. Scrum-half Dwayne Peel recalled the coach journey into Cardiff, where a sea of red jerseys lined the streets. The support was overwhelming, transforming the city into a cauldron of Welsh pride. The pre-match entertainment, featuring Welsh stars Katherine Jenkins, Max Boyce, and Charlotte Church, added to the spectacle, although Henson later criticized the WRU for using Church's appearance to garner media attention.

Wales faced challenges in the lead-up to the game. Rhys Williams suffered a calf injury, and Hal Luscombe was also doubtful. Mark Taylor, without a club at the time, was called in as a late replacement on the wing. The Welsh management employed a clever ruse, naming Williams in the starting team and having him warm up on the pitch to mislead the Irish.

The match itself was a tense and physical affair. Tensions flared, with scuffles breaking out between Robert Sidoli and Paul O'Connell. Henson accused O'Driscoll of foul play. Amidst the drama, Tom Shanklin's contributions proved crucial, setting up one try and playing a part in another. Gethin Jenkins' try settled the nerves, and Kevin Morgan's score further cemented Wales' lead.

The final minutes were fraught with tension as Ireland mounted a late comeback. However, Wales held on to win 32-20, sparking scenes of jubilation both inside the stadium and across the nation. Martyn Williams kicked the ball out to end the game, a moment he now jokingly regrets not holding onto for its potential value.

Captain Michael Owen, who had taken over from the injured Gareth Thomas, shared the trophy lift. The celebrations continued long into the night, with players sneaking through the Hilton hotel kitchen to avoid the throngs of supporters. The magnitude of the achievement resonated deeply, with soldiers in Iraq joining in the celebrations.

Max Boyce captured the essence of the moment, emphasizing the preciousness of Grand Slams after a long period of drought. The 2005 Grand Slam was a testament to the team's talent, resilience, and the unwavering support of the Welsh nation.

While the subsequent departure of Mike Ruddock cast a shadow, the memories of that glorious spring remain vivid. The 2005 Grand Slam team became legends, their names forever etched in Welsh rugby folklore. But where are those heroes now, 20 years on?

The 2005 Grand Slam Heroes: Where Are They Now?

15 - Kevin Morgan: The full-back who scored the try that ignited the nation-wide party, ended that year as the Celtic League's top try-scorer. He transitioned from electronics to physiology, working with Ospreys and later Bristol, where he is now a first-team athletic performance coach.

14 - Mark Taylor: The surprise inclusion for Grand Slam day, he played for Sale Sharks and Ospreys before moving into rugby administration. He is now an accountant for his family's car dealership.

13 - Tom Shanklin: A key performer on Slam day, he overcame injuries to become a leading Wales try-scorer. He is now a TV pundit, podcaster, and commercial director of an events management company.

12 - Gavin Henson: The poster-boy of 2005, he experienced both success and controversy throughout his career. He now owns a pub and participates in local sports teams.

11 - Shane Williams: The dazzling wing-wizard remains Wales' all-time top try-scorer. He is a rugby pundit and helps run a fuel firm in west Wales.

10 - Stephen Jones: A potent Test points-scorer, he returned to Scarlets after playing in France. He has coached with Wasps, Scarlets, and is now in Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika.

9 - Dwayne Peel: He formed a dynamic partnership with Jones. He coached at Ulster and is now the head coach at Scarlets.

1 - Gethin Jenkins: A dynamic prop who won multiple titles and appeared at four World Cups. He is now the defence coach at Cardiff.

2 - Mefin Davies: He stepped down to semi-pro rugby before returning to the top level. He is now an electrical engineer in Ammanford.

3 - Adam Jones: An iconic figure in Welsh rugby, he won numerous titles with Wales and the Lions. He is a specialist scrum coach and is drafted into the Wales coaching team for the 2025 Six Nations.

4 - Brent Cockbain: He represented Australia at youth level before qualifying for Wales. He now lives 'off-grid' in Australia and works as a truck driver in a coal mine.

5 - Robert Sidoli: A mainstay for Wales in 2005, he is now a rugby manager at Newport High School Academy.

6 - Ryan Jones: He captained Wales a record 33 times and was part of three Grand Slams. He has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. He is now a leadership and management consultant.

7 - Martyn Williams: Named player of the tournament in 2005, he is a hugely respected figure in the game. He was the Wales team manager under Pivac and is now a rugby pundit.

8 - Michael Owen: He captained Wales during the Grand Slam and later captained the Lions in a warm-up Test. He is now the director of rugby at Haileybury College.

Head Coach - Mike Ruddock: He delivered a Grand Slam in his first Six Nations but departed shortly after. He is now a non-executive director at Ospreys.

The legacy of the 2005 Grand Slam endures, with the players transitioning into various roles within and beyond the world of rugby, forever bonded by their shared triumph.