Meet Chris Wyatt, the rugby legend who defied all odds! Known as the “One Man Riot,” Chris won 38 caps for Wales and played a pivotal role in their record-equalling 10 consecutive Test victories in 1999. But there’s more to Chris than just his on-field triumphs. Despite smoking 20 cigarettes a day and being partial to a pint or two, Wyatt’s natural fitness and talent shone through, making him one of Wales’ standout lineout operators in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
These days, Chris calls sunny Pertuis in the south of France his home. After a vibrant career across teams like Newport, Neath, Scarlets, and Munster, he finally hung up his boots in his early 40s, diving into coaching and a new gig transporting vehicles. While Chris admits that his lifestyle choices might not have been textbook for athletes, he stands by the joy and camaraderie rugby brought him. Reflecting on his career, he reminisces about unforgettable games, like the iconic win over the Springboks at the new Millennium Stadium, and his dynamite partnership in the second row.
Though he missed a spot on the 2001 Lions tour, he takes it in his stride, acknowledging the lapses that cost him but cherishing every moment he lived and loved the game. Chris believes the passion he carried kept him in it for so long, even if it meant burning the candle at both ends.
Chris’s vibrant story in Wales rugby serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. Today, he enjoys life outdoors in France with his family, basking in the sunshine—a far cry from Welsh weather, he jokes! His tale is one of loving life, embracing opportunities, learning from regrets, and the thrill of a game that’s given him so much. Want to keep tabs on more inspiring rugby tales? Stay tuned! 🏉✨