The sound of the haka echoed across Cardiff last week as performers took to the roof of the Principality Stadium to mark the build-up to Wales' Autumn Nations Championship clash with New Zealand.
The Welsh Rugby Union organised the display weeks before the match, which takes place on November 14. Performers with connections to both Wales and New Zealand delivered the iconic 'Ka Mate' haka from the stadium roof, with the noise rippling through the city and drawing the attention of passers-by.
Rooftop Display Pays Tribute to Rugby Rivalry
The powerful visual display aims to honour one of rugby's greatest rivalries and friendships, celebrating the deep rugby connections between the two nations. The haka, a traditional Maori ritual performed in New Zealand on various occasions, has been a feature of rugby stadiums worldwide for over a century.
David Jones, chief executive of Haka International, an organisation that ensures the haka is delivered with authenticity, respect and integrity, spoke about the significance of the performance.
Chief Executive Reflects on 1905 History
"We're here on hallowed ground," he said. "I have ancestry of both, Welsh and New Zealand. Thinking about 1905, when the haka was done here and the response was the Welsh National Anthem, you've got two great cultures meeting."
"For me, the cultural element is the part that connects into the people of the land; and, being over this side of the world and now living in the UK, rugby is a vehicle by which we can connect back to home."
"Today we performed Ka Mate, which was the haka performed in 1905. It was history in the making, and how humbling and what an honour it is to perform that haka again, in this space."
Tickets for Wales v New Zealand remain available for fans to purchase.
