On Wednesday morning over 300 children from Albert Road, Penygarth, Cogan, Victoria, Llandough, Stanwell and St Cyres braved the elements to witness the homecoming of rugby's most fabled and arguably most famous rugby teams, the Barbarians, to Penarth RFC.

It was a continuance of 118 year relationship between the two clubs which started on the first "Easter Tour" back in 1901.

The Barbarians men's and women's squads were both in attendance and put on quite a show for the adoring crowds, running through a full training session under the tutelage of Warren Gatland and Robbie Deans (men's) and Jo Yapp and Rachel Taylor (women's).

The atmosphere was akin to an international fixture with the kids providing a rousing soundtrack with many pre-rehearsed and some spontaneous renditions of various chants and songs.

After the training session concluded both the men's and women's players were happy to spend time signing autographs, taking selfies and chatting to the youngsters who had come to see them.

A special mention must go to Warren Gatland, as the former Welsh coach almost missed the team bus due to the length of time he dedicated to meeting and greeting children, parents and teachers alike.

To show their gratitude the club presented club ties to head coaches Warren Gatland, Jo Yapp and Rachel Taylor and men's captain Rory Best, along with a copy of the History of Penarth book written by club historian Chris Thau who also spoke with ITV Wales News to explain the origins of the relationship between the sides which can be viewed by clicking the red button below.

Barbarians captain Rory Best was clearly taken aback with the turnout and noted how nice it was for professional players to come back to grassroots clubs like Penarth and remember the reasons that they started playing rugby in the first place.

Whilst the men's team headed off after training the Women's team decamped to the club's long room where they enjoyed an amazing lunch prepared by Willmores 1938 of Washington Buildings on Stanwell Road, Penarth.

The Barbarians noted how it was the best meal they had eaten all week on tour and Willmores owners Charlotte and Matt said that they were "proud and privileged to be catering for the Barbarians given their place in the history of Penarth".

Although Penarth may no longer have a place at rugby's top table, their position in the history of the game is secure by virtue of being the spiritual home of the Barbarians, against whom they last played in 1986.

It is in many ways humbling for the club that the Barbarians still hold a place in their hearts for Penarth despite the passage of time and the fact that their side is packed with the best players from all over the world.

For the children who attended this will be a day that lives long in the memory.

Club Secretary James Docherty said "It was an amazing day for the club and one that we are extremely proud of.

''We would like to not only thank the Barbarians for agreeing to come and train but also the children, teachers and parents of Penarth's schools who attended in huge numbers in fairly miserable conditions to witness this little piece of history.

''We are a committed community club and hope that the experiences that all the kids had today will inspire them to start, continue or come back to rugby in the future".

On Saturday both Barbarians sides take on Wales with the Women kicking off at 11:45am, being shown live on S4C, and the Men kicking off at 2.45, live on Channel 4, and on this occasion there might just be a little part of Wales cheering for the opposition.