Peel was an instrumental figure as Wales overcame Ireland 32-20 in the their final RBS 6 Nations match at the Millennium Stadium to win a first Grand Slam since 1978.

Peel told the BBC: It is brilliant. It is a credit to the team. We have come through some dark periods.

The fans came out and the boys performed. It is awesome. There were also 40,000 fans in Scotland last week, and it is just awesome.

They came at us all guns blazing but we played very well and defended the line. We gave it everything wed got.

For Wales to win the Grand Slam for the first time in 27 years is something special.

Team-mate Shane Williams also paid tribute to the Welsh supporters.

He said: This is unbelievable to be honest and the supporters were tremendous. Any team coming to Cardiff when its like this are going to find it difficult.