IT’S hard trying to celebrate a birthday in lockdown, especially when your parents promised you a trip to watch Wales play in the Six Nations – but one Welsh rugby fan can boast about a very special present this year.

Noah Jones attended his first Welsh rugby international last year when his parents took him to see Wales take on Italy at the Millennium Stadium at the start of February.

They had promised a repeat this year but coronavirus put paid to a trip out for Noah, as well as tens of thousands of other Welsh rugby diehards, with the 2021 tournament being played behind closed doors. And while many fans who had tickets to the hotly anticipated Cardiff clash with old foes England this weekend were dealt a cruel blow earlier in the week with their tickets still being delivered in the post, sport-mad Noah received a very special delivery courtesy of Wales internationals Dan Lydiate and George North, who sent him a video message for his eighth birthday today (Friday, February 26).

Ospreys kicking and skills coach and 81-times capped former Wales fly-half James Hook also sent the Builth Wells RFC Under 8s star a video message too, which will surely make his eighth birthday the most memorable yet.

“He couldn’t believe it,” said mum Dior Barton.

“We had promised him he would go to one of the games this year as he loved it so much last year when he went to watch his first Wales game.

“So, we sent Dan and George a message explaining that it was his birthday and he was obviously unable to attend a game this Six Nations and they were kind enough to send them for me.”

In a heart-warming and hilarious video from Abbeycwmhir flanker Lydiate, he wishes Noah a happy birthday before saying ‘I’ve got one of my mates to say hello as well’. North, who will become just the sixth Welsh player to reach 100 caps for the Dragons as he’s been named in Wayne Pivac’s starting XV for Saturday’s game, then pops up from nowhere and shouts: “Happy birthday Noah. Have a great day buddy. Happy eighth birthday.”

“He got the giggles when he saw George North popping up and knew it was his 100th Welsh cap tomorrow so made it even more exciting,” added Dior.

Wales take on England at 4.45pm tomorrow, looking to keep their unbeaten start to the tournament going and seeking a win against England that will secure the Triple Crown.