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Welsh rugby rebel Glenn Webbe broke all the rules. Young, gifted and black, he dispensed with the status quo and fought his way into a unique place in sporting history.

In 1987, Glenn Webbe made sporting history by becoming the first man to score three tries at the inaugural Rugby World Cup, one of them while suffering from concussion. That might have been the pinnacle of his international career, but it’s not what made Glenn a legend.

Born in Cardiff to Windrush-generation parents in an era where black Welsh rugby players were only welcome at English rugby league clubs, he fought his way through the ranks to a stellar career at Bridgend RFC.

He came of age during the apartheid era and witnessed racism at first hand as a player. Yet, despite an outstanding track record and a blistering pace, Glenn waited years to be selected to play for his country.

Meanwhile, he built a different kind of reputation in Bridgend, as an inspirational one-off and a role-model for players like Gareth Thomas who dared to be different.

This is the story of how one man rebelled against the status quo and made his mark anyway. He was loved by rugby fans for his one-club loyalty and record-breaking amount of tries, and by his teammates for his wit and camaraderie.

Glenn’s great gift was his belief in himself; he stood his ground and did it anyway.

29 minutes

Last on

Sun 2 Jul 2023 22:30

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Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Suzanne Phillips
Director Gavin Porter

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