Six Nations: Howling rendition of the Welsh national anthem

A rescue dog who learned to howl along with music when she was taken in by a trombonist has performed a barking rendition of the Welsh national anthem ahead of Wales' Six Nations clash with England.

Donal Banister, principal trombone at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, filmed himself playing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau with Molly the singing saluki cross as his accompaniment.

The 62-year-old from Dublin said he got Molly just before the first Covid lockdown, when he started to have to practice at home.

"She would try to sort of copy what I was doing," he said. "It is a sing-a-long definitely. She is basically doing a pack howl."

And the trombone, it seems, is her preferred instrument.

"My kids play string instruments and she doesn’t sing along," he said. "It's to do with the sound quality of the trombone."

As for a future in music, Donal questioned Molly's commitment.

"If I practice for an hour, she'll join in maybe for the first ten minutes then gets lazy and gets up."

Video edited by Michael Burgess, words by Paul Pigott

10 February 2024