WHEN RALLY MET RUGBY

Two of Wales’ biggest sporting stars came together today as M-Sport World Rally Team’s Elfyn Evans gave Welsh Rugby star Scott Williams a spin in his EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Evans and Williams met at the Wales Rally GB media day earlier this year. As is the case with any true Welshman, Williams has a keen interest in rallying and was eager to get a glimpse into the FIA World Rally Championship’s top flight.

Having completed two seasons at the rallying’s highest league, Evans was well-placed to show his countryman what it was all about and invited the Welsh International to sample a high-speed passenger ride through one of North Wales’ classic stages.

Completing a 3.32 kilometre dash through the mud-strewn roads of Clocaenog forest, Williams was suitably impressed with his compatriot’s skill behind the wheel.

Scott Williams said:

“It was awesome. I was trying to remember everything that happened but it all happened so fast! The skill that Elfyn has behind the wheel is unbelievable. So many times I was convinced that we were going to go off the road but there is so much grip in the car that he can just pull it round at the last minute.

“It was a really special experience and I want to thank Elfyn for giving me the opportunity to sit alongside him today. I really hope he can do Wales proud. He certainly has the skill and the home advantage could give him that extra edge this weekend. I’m really looking forward to the start of the rally and to cheering Elfyn on at home.”

Elfyn Evans said:

“I think Scott really enjoyed it. He’s at the top of his sport so I didn’t really know what his reaction would be, but he seemed to enjoy it. Scott’s a great guy and it was good to showcase some classic Welsh stages to one of our biggest sporting stars.”