It was an emotional day for many reasons at the Millennium Stadium today as the Barbarians took on Wales. As well as providing the stage for Rory Best's last game as a professional rugby player, Warren Gatland was returning as head coach of the Baa-baas and Nigel Owens was granted the opportunity to referee a game involving Wales in Cardiff.
As they always seem to do, the Barbarians, captained by Best, engaged in a cracking contest. But they couldn't deny Wayne Pivac's side handing their new head coach a winning start in his new post, the hosts running out 43-33 winners in front of 62,000 enthusiastic fans.
Best finally made way with just under a half-hour of the game to go, but he didn't get away without one final customary telling-off from the man in charge.
What a way to go... One of the final acts in @rorybest2's illustrious career is to get a telling off from @Nigelrefowens! 🤣🤣🤣#C4rugby #WALvBAR pic.twitter.com/BdbU8zBRgZ
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) November 30, 2019
Best may not have been playing at home but he must have certainly felt like he was, such was the reception he received from the fans in the stadium.
After the game, the 37-year-old spoke to Welsh Rugby's in-house channel and was visibly overwhelmed by the support he received.
I've been incredibly fortunate. I don't know how many final games there has been for me and the reaction that I've got has been incredible. I know my family and my friends that are here in the stadium and are at home really appreciate it.
Similarly, Owens was also interviewed after the game claiming Best "has been a wonderful servant of the game." The Ulster man finishes his career having played 124 Test matches for Ireland, the Lions and the Barbarians.
