**Rey Lee-Lo Touches Hearts with Emotional Goodbye at Cardiff Rugby Awards**
Cardiff Rugby said farewell to one of its most beloved figures this week, as seasoned centre Rey Lee-Lo gave a heartfelt and tearful speech during the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony. The 39-year-old, who has established himself as a mainstay at Cardiff Arms Park over the past ten years, was visibly moved as he addressed teammates, coaches, and supporters gathered in Tiger Yard, Cardiff Bay.
Lee-Lo’s journey from arriving in Wales a decade ago to reaching 180 appearances for the Blue and Blacks has made him a favourite among fans and fellow players alike. Originally joining Cardiff in 2015 from the New Zealand-based Hurricanes, the Samoa international quickly became a pillar of Cardiff’s midfield, earning respect for his consistency, skill, and unwavering commitment.
During the awards night, Lee-Lo was presented with a Special Recognition Award in acknowledgement of his immense contribution to the club. The award was handed over by Nick Williams, a former Cardiff teammate and close friend, adding a personal touch to the tribute. The occasion was marked by a standing ovation, reflecting the deep admiration and affection that the club and its community hold for Lee-Lo.
Struggling to contain his emotions, Lee-Lo began his speech with a note of gratitude. “First of all, like I always do, we thank God for this lovely day and bringing us all here safe today,” he said, his voice wavering with emotion. He went on to reflect on his time at the club, describing Cardiff as a “family away from my family back home,” and expressing his heartfelt appreciation for being able to represent the side in 180 matches. “It’s a pleasure and an honour to play 180 games for one club. That’s something that will stay with me forever,” he remarked.
Lee-Lo also paid tribute to the late Peter Thomas, a key figure in the club’s history, as well as to the sponsors, back-room staff, and everyone involved behind the scenes at Cardiff. His words resonated throughout the venue, highlighting the strong bonds that exist within the rugby community and the sense of belonging that players like Lee-Lo cherish.
Interestingly, while the evening marked an official goodbye to Lee-Lo’s playing career at Cardiff, there was a hint of continuity in the air. Head coach Matt Sherratt confirmed during his own speech that the Samoan centre would remain with the club in a non-playing capacity moving forward. “To stay at a club, I don’t know what he’s going to do yet, but we found a way of keeping him around the dressing room and helping the younger players out,” Sherratt revealed, underlining the invaluable impact Lee-Lo has had both on and off the pitch.
The captain’s extended stay at Cardiff was not always guaranteed. Lee-Lo was previously set to depart at the end of the 2023 season, but opted to sign a new contract, convinced by his deep-seated affinity for the club and its supporters. Last year, in a touching gesture, his family was flown over from Samoa to witness what many believed would be his final game—a testament to his status as a cherished figure within the rugby world.
For many in attendance, Lee-Lo’s moving farewell speech served as a reminder of the deep personal connections and lifelong memories forged through sport. His legacy at Cardiff extends well beyond his formidable on-field partnership with fellow centre Uilisi Halaholo; it encompasses his humility, leadership, and generosity of spirit.
As Cardiff Rugby prepares for a future without their talismanic centre in the starting line-up, Lee-Lo’s enduring presence in a mentoring or ambassadorial role ensures his influence will continue to shape the club for years to come. His story stands as a poignant reminder of the powerful bonds that unite players, fans, and communities in Welsh rugby.
In the end, it was not just the words, but the emotion behind them, that captured the lasting impact Lee-Lo has made on Cardiff Rugby—a club and a city he now considers home.