Welsh gran celebrates her 99th birthday at her first rugby game

There's not many people who reach their 99th birthday, and even less who can say they celebrated it at the Principality stadium watching their first Welsh match. 

But for Cynthia Nightingale from Carmarthen, that is exactly what she did.

The 99-year-old great grandmother - who has always dreamt of attending a Wales match - finally achieved her dream after being surprised with a trip to their clash with the Barbarians.

Ninety nine year old Cynthia celebrated her birthday at the principality stadium. (Richard Swingler)

Organised by her five daughters, Cynthia travelled to The Principality Stadium where some of her grandchildren were waiting there to surprise her.

The author, and former Howells store manager in Cardiff, said the surprise had been "brilliant".

Wearing a daffodil and waving her flag with pride, she said she was "so lucky" to be surrounded by so many family and friends, many of whom had travelled all over the world to be there for the big day.

"I'm proud to be Welsh, we watch all of the games at home on the television - I'm excited to be in the stadium today," said Cynthia.

"I'm here with my daughters and they've all given me a lovely welcome and there's so many of them here today, it's brilliant."

Cynthia's daughters surprised her with a trip to her first rugby match. (Richard Swingler)

Cynthia's daughter Catherine Rees, who helped organise the surprise, said her mum always wants to be in the stadium to hear the singing.

"Me and my sisters are regulars at the game but mum has never been - she always says she'd love to be there.

"She always watches at home and sings along with the anthems and the songs - she knows all the words."

"She just loves the rugby and the players - Leigh Halfpenny is like her favourite."

Cynthia said she was "so lucky" to be surrounded by so many family and friends. (Richard Swingler)

Cynthia's family travelled all over the world to be home for the occasion. (Richard Swingler)

Despite much of the family now living abroad, they managed to make it back to watch the match with their mum.

"We thought what a nice birthday present, it's been a fantastic.

"One of her daughters lives in France, another in Turkey so we've all come together for today to celebrate," said Catherine.

"She's never been to the stadium before - we've managed to get a seat in the disabled section as she's in a wheelchair now so it will be nice for her."

Bryncethin Under 12s rugby team stopped to sing Cynthia happy birthday. (Richard Swingler)

As well as being surprised by her family, Bryncethin Under 12s rugby team stopped to sing Cynthia happy birthday.

"She's absolutely loving it - just look at her, she's like a celebrity."