There was a Wales rugby debut to celebrate during the thumping 31-5 Welsh win over Ireland in their Women's Six Nations opener - for Swansea-born, New Zealand-raised naval officer Kate Williams.
The 22-year-old flanker came off the bench to make her debut in front of a record crowd at Cardiff Arms Park, enjoying 22 minutes of international rugby having trained with Wales in pre-season and linked up with them in New Zealand last autumn during the World Cup.
It was made all the more special by the fact her dad Gareth had flown in from Auckland earlier this week to surprise his daughter. The duo enjoyed an emotional embrace on the pitch after Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham presented Williams with her Wales cap.
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The Royal New Zealand Navy officer, who is on sabbatical for a year and could soon be signing for Premier 15s side Gloucester, did well off the bench, and was rapturously roared on by her team-mates for her cap presentation - before enjoying a hug with her dad who was overcome with emotion.
Dad Gareth also joined daughter Kate for her post-match media interviews, saying it was one of the best days of his life.
"We definitely grew up Welsh even though we were living in New Zealand," the new Wales international said. "My grandpa made sure I always had the latest Ospreys jersey as well. This just feels so right.
"I came over here in January and have been training with them ever since. I wasn't expecting to make the Welsh team this year, let alone get my first cap, so I've been loving my journey so far.
"It's been a whirlwind. This is amazing. I'll treasure this forever."
Williams has moved to the other side of the world to pursue her rugby career, leaving behind her family, friends and partner.
But dad Gareth wouldn't have missed her Wales debut for the world.
"Probably the best day of my life," he said. "I'm going to be here for two weeks. It was a moment I couldn't miss."
Williams junior feels right at home, though.
"Apart from my mum, dad and brother, all my family are here," she added. "My dad flew out on Tuesday and surprised me, booked his flights a few weeks ago not knowing if I was going to be in the team. It turned out to be pretty good time."
As for support she is receiving from her former Navy colleagues, she said: "Ships that I had been on last year are out in Fiji at the moment so they've been sending me support."
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