Welsh rugby favourite finds the perfect words as he chokes back tears in emotional farewell speech
Welsh rugby favourite finds the perfect words as he chokes back tears in emotional farewell speech
Rey Lee-Lo has spent a decade in the Welsh capital, playing 180 times for Cardiff
Rey Lee-Lo gives an emotional farewell speech at Cardiff's awards night
(Image: Cardiff Rugby )
Departing Cardiff centre Rey Lee-Lo found the perfect words as he delivered an emotional farewell speech at the Arms Park club's awards night last Wednesday.
The 39-year-old was given a special recognition award by Cardiff as his departure was confirmed as part of the club's leavers list. Lee-Lo, who joined the club in 2025 from the Hurricanes, has played 180 times for Cardiff - with the Samoa international becoming an integral part of the Blue and Blacks' midfield.
Throughout his decade in the Welsh capital, Lee-Lo formed a strong centre partnership with his close friend, Uilisi Halaholo.
Lee-Lo was honoured with an award at Cardiff Rugby's end of season awards night last week, with former Cardiff teammate Nick Williams presenting him with the award.
As he was given the award at the Tiger Yard in Cardiff Bay, those in attendance - including his Cardiff team-mates and coaches - gave the centre a standing ovation ahead of his emotional speech.
"First of all, like I always do, we thank God for this lovely day and bringing us all here safe today," said Lee-Lo.
Article continues below
"2015 is a long time ago. This club means a lot to me.
"This is my family away from my family back home. It's a pleasure and an honour to play 180 games for one club.
"That's something that will stay with me forever. I just want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart.
"Thanks to the club and the late Peter Thomas for everything. And all the sponsors, everyone involved, the back-room staff.
"I can't say enough. I just want to say thank you for everything." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
In his own speech, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt confirmed that Lee-Lo would be staying at the club in some non-playing capacity.
"To stay at a club, I don't know what he's going to do yet, but we found a way of keeping him around the dressing room and helping the younger players out," said Sherratt.
"Because we can't let go of people like Rey Lee-Lo."
Lee-Lo had originally been set to depart in 2023, only to sign another deal with the club.
Article continues below
Then, last year, the club flew his family over to Wales to surprise Lee-Lo ahead of what was expected to be his final appearance - only for the evergreen Samoan to play for another year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Former Championship manager, 44, now working at Bristol Airport as picture of him in uniform goes viral
Gaffer has done a whole host of interesting and different jobs over the years TAKE A SECOND LUKE Former Championship manager, 44, now working at Bristol Airport as picture of him in uniform goes viral Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Championship manager has swapped wingers for wings - by taking a job at Bristol Airport. And fans could barely believe their eyes as he opted for a high-viz instead of a high line. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Luke Williams was dismissed as Swansea manager in February Credit: Getty 2 He has taken on a new job helping those with mobility difficulties at Bristol Airport Credit: Ex-Swindon and Notts County chief Luke Williams was Swansea boss from January 2024 until his sacking in February 2025. The London-born gaffer, 44, was placed on gardening leave. But despite no doubt receiving a pay-off from the Welsh club when axed four months ago, he was keen to do something worthwhile during his time out of the game. So much so that as he awaits a new stint in a dugout, kind-hearted Williams has undertaken a gig helping disabled and limited-mobility passengers around the Bristol Airport terminal, as reported by The Athletic. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL MARC MY WORDS Man Utd outcast Rashford says he wants to join Barca in come-and-get-me plea He started the job two weeks ago. And it did not take long for a photo of him at his new workplace to go viral. The snap showed humble Williams wearing his yellow reflective vest uniform and lanyard coming out of the lift in Bristol. An X user wrote: "Luke Williams gone from managing the Swans to working in Bristol Airport, someone check VAR." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One replied: "He's just doing this because he's bored, he genuinely doesn't care about others' opinions and you have to respect it." Another commented: "Fair play to the guy." Former Premier League manager is told 'f--- you' by his own player before he shushes him in furious Club World Cup row A third joked: "Managing in the top flight." A fourth added: "Cardiff City fan here with nothing but respect for this. Call me woke if you want. (*best believe I'll turn up in full bluebirds kit when I fly out next week)" And a final person typed: "Clearly has a massive work ethic. Good luck to him!" Williams told The Guardian in 2024 that he places a strong emphasis on commitment and dedication, declaring: "In my opinion, motivation in life is everything." He also revealed how he loaded lorries for BHS and drove minibuses to and from nightclubs and airports to fund his early coaching career. In those days, he collected £1.50 for every player who attended his sessions. Williams also applied for an electrician course when he left his coaching role with Swansea under Russell Martin in 2022.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sent off as horror tackle leaves viewers stunned and Lions hopes in tatters
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sent off as horror tackle leaves viewers stunned and Lions hopes in tatters He was making his return to action after half a year on the sidelines. England's wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leaves the pitch after receiving a yellow card upgraded to a red card during the Rugby Union International Test match between England and France at Twickenham (Image: Getty Images ) Immanuel Feyi-Waboso endured a nightmare return for England as he was sent off during Saturday's clash with France at Twickenham. The winger was making his return to action after spending the last six months sidelined with a shoulder injury, which had previously halted an impressive run of individual form. Before that setback, the 22-year-old had scored five tries in his previous eight appearances for England, a run that had even placed him in the conversation for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour. On his return, there had been some talk he might be one of the possible injury replacement options for Andy Farrell Down Under. However, his return to action didn't go as planned. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. With the scores tied at 12-12, Feyi-Waboso was sent to the sin bin for horrific high tackle on France's Antoine Hastoy just after half an hour. You can watch the tackle below. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent After an off-field review, however, the Exeter star's fate was upgraded to a 20-minute red card. There's every chance he could yet face a lengthy ban for his actions, which have clearly blown a massive hole in any outside hopes of linking up with Farrell's Lions squad later this summer. He's obviously also at risk of missing England's tour of Argentina. Predictably the incident caused quite a stir on social media platform, with one user on X writing: "How much blame for the Feyi-Waboso red lies with Borthwick? Throwing him straight back into the test arena after 6 months out is a big ask." "Immanuel Feyi-Waboso saw the Lions yesterday and clearly didn't fancy two matches vs the Pumas this summer. What a shocker," said another. Article continues below To compound matters for England coach Steve Borthwick, who was without 13 of his usual squad members, Romain Taofifenua's late converted score handed a late 26-24 victory to France.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Lions legend dies and France stun England in dramatic finale
Tonight's rugby news as Lions legend dies and France stun England in dramatic finale The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world England players react after conceding a try in the last minute to lose against France (Image: PA Wire ) Here are your rugby evening headlines for Saturday, June 21. Lions and Scotland great McLauchlan dies Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions prop Ian McLauchlan has died at the age of 83, writes Phil Blanche, PA. Ayrshire-born McLauchlan, who was known throughout the rugby world as 'Mighty Mouse', won 43 caps for Scotland between 1969 and 1979, captaining the side 19 times. McLauchlan's legacy was cemented on the victorious Lions tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974, being one of only five players to feature in all eight Test matches. His only Test try against New Zealand in June 1971, when he charged down an attempted All Blacks clearance to touch down in a 9-3 win, has passed into Lions folklore. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Weighing 14st 6lbs when he won his first cap, McLauchlan was regularly able to burrow under heavier tight-head props and give his team a set-piece advantage at a time when scrums were much more prevalent in the game. Former Scotland and Lions teammate Andy Irvine told "He was some character and some player. "He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him. Article continues below "He was so tough, almost indestructible. What a fantastic career he had for Scotland and the Lions. It's very, very sad." After his playing career McLauchlan, who had been a teacher in Edinburgh, spent a brief spell in rugby journalism before setting up his own marketing company. He served as a member of the Scottish Rugby Board from 2010 to 2019 and was president of the Scottish Rugby Union between 2010 and 2012. McLauchlan was also a director of European Professional Club Rugby and played a key role in the transition from the previous competitions overseen by ERC. France stun England in dramatic late victory By Ed Elliot, PA Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was sent off on his return from injury as England's summer tour preparations were dealt a major blow during a 26-24 warm-up defeat to a France XV. The Exeter wing - appearing for the first time since dislocating a shoulder in December - received a 20-minute red card for a high tackle on Les Bleus fly-half Antoine Hastoy in the first half of the non-capped clash at Allianz Stadium. With 22-year-old Feyi-Waboso facing a suspension, head coach Steve Borthwick is due to name his squad for next month's tour of Argentina and the United States on Monday. England were at least on course to depart for South America in victorious fashion but, having led by 12 points going into the final 10 minutes, late converted tries from Paul Mallez and Romain Taofifenua snatched success for Fabien Galthie's side in front of a crowd of 34,129. Scores from Tom Willis, Alex Coles, international newcomer Joe Carpenter and replacement Alex Dombrandt initially turned the contest in the hosts' favour following early efforts from French pair Gaetan Barlot and Hugo Auradou. With 13 players on Lions duty, hooker Jamie George and fly-half George Ford co-captained an England XV containing uncapped trio Carpenter, Seb Atkinson and Guy Pepper, while there was a long-awaited appearance for Feyi-Waboso. He was denied a dream start when last-gasp defending caused the ball to squirm loose as he stretched for the try line inside two minutes. France, who are gearing up for a three-Test series in New Zealand, seized the initiative with quickfire tries. Hooker Barlot finished a lineout maul to punish a pair of infringements from England lock Coles, before full-back Theo Attissogbe broke through Atkinson's attempted tackle to unselfishly tee up lock Auradou after Carpenter lost possession at the breakdown. On a sweltering afternoon in south-west London, England hit back to draw level at 12-12. Number eight Willis touched down after persistent French indiscipline initially thwarted sustained home pressure before Coles then bundled over wide on the right following a lineout four minutes later. The major talking point arrived six minutes shy of half-time. In desperation to retrieve the ball while chasing his own kick, Feyi-Waboso flung a high arm into the head of France number 10 Hastoy. Referee Hollie Davidson initially showed a yellow card before the sanction was swiftly upgraded to a red on review. With Borthwick no doubt still contemplating the ramifications of the incident, his side edged ahead in the final minute of the half when Sale full-back Carpenter benefited from Atkinson's superb carry to cross. Ford, who slotted two of his four conversion attempts across the contest, shanked a penalty early in the second period before Carpenter was denied a second score the game due to Henry Slade's knock on. France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec saw a breakaway try disallowed because of an illegal clearout on George in the build-up which resulted in a yellow card for France replacement Cameron Woki, which was subsequently changed to red. England quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage as Dombrandt darted for the right corner. France moved to within one score thanks to a late converted try from Mallez - one of nine uncapped players in their match day squad. Borthwick's men looked to have done enough to hold on for a slender success but the likely loss of Feyi-Waboso was compounded when Hastoy slotted the winning conversion with the final kick after Taofifenua bulldozed over. Aki: Lions must learn from Argentina defeat By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Bundee Aki insists the British and Irish Lions must recover rapidly after seeing their goal of completing an unbeaten tour of Australia thwarted even before arriving Down Under. The Lions slipped to a 28-24 defeat against Argentina in Dublin as they lost their tour opener for the first time since 1971, albeit against dangerous opponents whose surgical finishing demonstrated why they are ranked fifth in the world. Andy Farrell's men fly to Perth on Saturday and have four weeks to find the improvements needed to turn their ambitious but error-strewn performance into a formula capable of toppling the Wallabies. "Faz set out the aim for us to win every single game. To not be able to come out with the result that we wanted in the first has got to be one of those things that we learn from quickly," Aki said. "We're adults, we're old enough to be able to take it on the chin and move on quickly. Faz gives it to us straight, there's no mucking around or no hiding here, he just tells you how it is. "There's no point in trying to sulk about it. If we bounce back quickly and try to get better every single day, this will only make us stronger and tighter." Aki's heavyweight centre partnership with Sione Tuipulotu generated the most excitement in selection ahead of the sold-out clash at the Aviva Stadium, but the combination failed to add up to the sum of its parts. While the Ireland centre showed his strength as a carrier to surge over in the first half and Tuipulotu had his moments with the ball in hand, together they were unable to link in the way the Lions were seeking and are unlikely to be used in tandem in the Test series. "We all know how Sione is as a player, he's class. The frustrating thing for me was I wasn't able to connect well with him," Aki said. "He's an unbelievable player and there's no excuses, we've got to get better as a partnership going forward. "Whoever plays - Garry Ringrose, Huw Jones, Elliot Daly - as a unit we've got to make sure we gel together and try to get that cohesiveness fairly quickly because we need to be better. "Sione has been my roomy lately. He snores a fair bit at the moment, so he keeps me up at night! But he's a great man. "He speaks out loud, which is good because we need him to be himself. I just feed off him and he feeds off me. So it's brilliant, but we've just got to be better and keep learning together." Aki, fly-half Fin Smith, prop Ellis Genge and wing Tommy Freeman were among those to advance their claims for a spot against Australia in the first Test on July 19, while Duhan van der Merwe and Ben Earl took a step backwards. Aki admits that when they arise, chances to impress selectors during the 10-fixture itinerary must be taken. Article continues below "When there's a group of 38 players from four different countries, you've obviously got to make sure you perform," he said. "Every single player that's been picked in the squad has to be able to do a job and if you don't deliver, there are guys who are willing to put their hand up and take that opportunity."
