WRU statement clarifies what went on with their disappearing numbers

The Welsh Rugby Union have had to clarify what happened when just minutes after kick-off against Argentina in their quarter-final in Marseille, the numbers started falling off the players’ backs.

Ten minutes in, the likes of scrum-half Gareth Davies had already been completely stripped of his number, while others were half torn off and clearly on the way to going altogether.

It became very obvious very quickly, and fans were quick to comment on the fairly unique situation.

The fella who did the numbers for Wales #WALvARG pic.twitter.com/ImHraYx3LC

— David Kelly (@dkelly1ie) October 14, 2023

Wales’ jersey manufacturers looking at all the numbers falling off after 15 Mins #WALvARG #rugbyworldcup2023 pic.twitter.com/0XJcxncbpB

— Brian Reilly (@BrianReilly6) October 14, 2023

It turned out to be an amusing indication of who was involved physically, as fly-half Dan Biggar’s number appeared to be perfectly intact when he crossed for an excellent try in the 14th minute.

UK broadcaster ITV even closed the half with a video montage of numbers falling off in super slow motion.

Most players seemed to switch to different shirts in the sheds, but some were still missing numbers, leaving commentators silent at times when they quite obviously struggled to identify players.

Wales’ plan to shed their numbers to thwart potential TMO interventions is genius #WALvARG

— Graham Love (@glove931) October 14, 2023

The WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) have today clarified that shirt manufacturer Macron were not to blame.

“As for all other matches during France 2023 we used a local, tournament-recommended printer to print the numbers on our jerseys for Saturday’s quarter-final meeting with Argentina,” said the WRU statement.

“Unfortunately, it would appear these printers did not use the correct process for attaching the numbers.

“For clarity, Macron supply high quality kit to the WRU without numbers and the printing process follows. The error had nothing to do with the quality of the shirts nor their manufacture nor any individual member of staff.”

Argentina seem like they definitely have more numbers on the field. I’ll get my coat. 😆 #WALvARG #RWC2023.

— Paul O’Kane (@pmokane) October 14, 2023

It was a disappointing day for Wales all around, as they went on to lose a closely contested match 29-17, after Argentina legend Nicolas Sanchez snatched an intercept try and sealed the win with a late penalty.

Wales leave the tournament with plenty of positives after they were unbeaten in the pool stages, while Los Pumas continue their journey and will face New Zealand in the semi finals in Paris on Friday.