Gareth Baber on the Wales-England rugby rivalry: a battle of identity and pride

For Gareth Baber, double Olympic medal-winning coach and Director of Rugby System at Cardiff Met, the Wales versus England rivalry is more than just a sporting contest – it’s a matter of national identity, pride and history. Growing up in Wales in the 1970s and 80s, a period of significant Welsh rugby success, Baber saw firsthand how beating England became a symbol of defying the odds.

Gareth’s distinguished coaching career spans both domestic and international arenas. Domestically, he has held key roles with Cardiff Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby. On the international stage, Gareth served as director of Hong Kong Rugby Sevens before leading Fiji Rugby Sevens to Olympic glory, securing a gold medal in 2020 and a silver medal in 2024 as the national programme manager.

“There’s a narrative in people’s heads about Wales playing above their station,” Baber explains. “It’s about national pride – showing that, despite Wales’ economic and social struggles, we can stand toe-to-toe with a wealthier, more powerful neighbour and win.”

He recalls the famous saying popularised by Welsh rock band Stereophonics: “As long as we beat the English, we don’t care.” For many Welsh fans, that sentiment captures the deep-rooted passion behind this historic fixture. Rugby, Baber believes, is a way for Wales to assert itself, much like the nation’s historic resistance against English rule.

“This game is another exercise in national pride,” he says. “Reminiscent of the Welsh princes who repelled the English, the Wales rugby team are our modern princes showing defiance and resilience.”

One of the most iconic moments for Baber was Wales’ dramatic 10-9 victory over England at Wembley in 1999. Playing away from home due to the construction of the Millennium Stadium, Wales were underdogs but triumphed thanks to Scott Gibbs’ last-minute try and Neil Jenkins’ conversion. “Winning at the home of English football, where the English football team won the World Cup in 1966, was unforgettable,” he says.

Despite Wales’ struggles in the current Six Nations campaign, Baber insists the fire still burns. “Even in tough times, this game is different. It’s like a second St. David’s Day – an opportunity to remind the world what it means to be Welsh.”

For Baber and countless Welsh fans, the Wales-England match is not just about points on a scoreboard. It’s about history, pride, and proving – once again – that Wales will never back down on the pitch.