THE Queen’s Platinum anniversary celebrations are nearly upon us and it might just be a coincidence but most of her landmark anniversaries have been marked by momentous events in the rugby world including six brilliant Grand Slams – apretty decent record by any criteria.
It all started on her accession to the throne in 1952 which seems an extraordinary long time ago.
That was the year that Wales, with John Gwyillim cracking the whip, claimed their second Slam in three years. Another era of black and white pictures and Pathe Newsreels.
Her China anniversary year – 1972 – was a near miss although both Ireland and Wales supporters will tell you their unbeaten sides would have claimed the Slam in a season that was torpedoed by the “Troubles” which meant neither Scotland nor Wales were willing to travel to Dublin for their scheduled games.
HM’s Silver anniversary in 1977 though saw a mighty Slam by France who fielded the same 15 players in all four games while her 40th – Ruby anniversary – was gilded by a second Slam on the bounce by Will Carling’s England.
And onward she went. The Golden jubilee in 2002 brought another French Slam and her diamond jubilee heralded a Welsh Slam under Warren Gatland.
Not content with that her platinum year has seen France back to their best and carrying all before them. Dare anybody dream of what a 75th anniversary might bring?
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