THOUSANDS of Gwent rugby fans are gearing up to relive Wales' Grand Slam victory when an official DVD is launched in just over a week.

Cwmbran's Silverscreen DVD store has reported a "deluge" of orders for the commemorative video, called The Year of the Dragon, and is anticipating a stampede when it is launched on April 18.

"We're getting up to 40 orders a day at the moment - by the end of the week we'll easily hit 300," said manager Simon Blondell.

He added: "Hopefully we've ordered enough, so I'm sure no one will be disappointed.

"This is quite unique in terms of entertainment. Normally movies are right out there, but I think this is going to be our biggest-seller yet - it's going to be massive."

Interest has been expressed across the region, with many outlets experiencing high customer demand.

The Big W store in Newport has doubled orders, and W H Smith stores in Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny have all asked for extra copies.

Employee Sarah Reynolds Shaw said: "All anyone's been asking for is the Grand Slam DVD. We've ordered 100 copies for Abergavenny - and we'll need more."

The Grand Slam effect has even been felt in London, with HMV Head Office amazed.

"Our Welsh stores have recorded their biggest pre-order figures for any recent title. It has registered exceptionally high figures for a sport release, and has even outstripped movies like The Incredibles in terms of public demand," a spokesman said.

David Parker, of distributor Green Umbrella, agrees. "We've had hundreds of hits on our website for the Grand Slam DVD, and for a regional DVD to enter the chart is very impressive.

"Considering the only people buying it are predominantly Welsh, it's doing amazingly well!"

The video, produced by Spirit Sales, charts Wales' incredible Grand Slam victory, and features all the main action - 17 tries, 152 points, plus interviews with the players and local hero Mike Ruddock.

"The reaction we've had so far just goes to show how proud everybody is," said Mr Blondell.