The national team , after unconvincing displays during the 1940s , found unexpected success in the early 1950s winning the Grand Slam twice ; in 1950 and 1952 . The 1950 win came after a disastrous 1949 campaign , which saw Wales collect the wooden spoon ; but after an opening win over England , the team finished the last three matches conceding only three points . The tournament saw the emergence of Welsh record breaking player Ken Jones as a world class wing ; who is most remembered for his late try against the 1953 touring New Zealand team . The 1950 championship is also remembered for the tragic events following the away win to Ireland when a chartered flight , returning from the Triple Crown winning match , crashed at Llandow . Seventy five Welsh fans and five crew died in the accident , at the time it was the world 's worst air disaster
crashed at Llandow
Llandow air disaster
History of rugby union in Wales