For our family, supporting the Ospreys has never simply been about rugby, it has been a source
of joy, belonging, and profound connection from the very beginning of the region’s journey.
No one embodies that connection more deeply than Rebecca. Living with special needs and
relying on a wheelchair has never once held her back from pouring her heart into the team she
adores. She lives and breathes the Ospreys. Her excitement on match days is something that
radiates from her the moment we arrive, usually at least an hour and a half before kickoff,
because that’s when her favourite ritual begins: meeting the players.
For Rebecca, those precious moments grabbing an autograph, taking a selfie, or sharing a few
words with her heroes mean everything. They bring her closer to the team she cherishes and
have created countless memories that our family will hold forever. One of the highlights was her
unforgettable lunch with the squad at Llandarcy – a day filled with kindness, care, and genuine
warmth from every player she met.
Match days at the Brewery Field carry their own magic. From her spot in the Conservatory,
Rebecca is often greeted personally by players – always led by her numberone favourite, Justin
Tipuric. The joy that lights up her face is unmistakable. Then there are the moments of pure
delight, like the screams of excitement whenever Dan Edwards slots a conversion through the
posts.
But it’s not only the team who make match days special. Fellow supporters have become like
extended family, taking time to chat with her about team selection and the latest rugby gossip.
Among them is Cheryl Dunnett, who Rebecca lovingly calls “Auntie.” These friendships mean as
much as the rugby itself as they remind her she is part of something bigger.
People may look at the money spent over the years on tickets and merchandise, but to us, that
has never mattered. How can you place a price on happiness? For those three hours in the
stadium – whether it’s a 3pm, 5pm, or 8pm kickoff, rain or shine, Rebecca isn’t defined by
disability. She is simply a supporter. A passionate, dedicated Ospreys fan cheering for her team
like everyone else around her.
The thought of losing that connection – the team, the supporters, the sense of belonging, would
be devastating for her. The Ospreys are not just a rugby side to Rebecca; they are her heroes,
her community, and a vital part of her world.
So, what do the Ospreys mean to us?
One word: connection.
Rebecca, Colleen & Keith Jenkins
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