SPIRITS were high as a sea of red shirts descended on Car-diff International Airport yesterday for the Six Nations Italian rugby airlift.

And amid the rugby shirts, scarves, weird and wonderful hats and plastic daffodils making the trip to Rome were hundreds of Gwent fans.

But for those checking in, the carnival atmosphere masked a more serious concern - to maintain Welsh pride.

Among those jetting off were 14 rugby fans from Risca - complete with matching red'tour T-shirts'.

The group had been planning the rugby trip to Rome for 18 months as a celebration of four impending 50th birthdays.

One of the group, Sue Middleton, said: "There is always such a good atmosphere at Six Nations matches so we thought we would combine the rugby and birthday celebrations."

As well as the match the group is looking forward to plenty of pasta, pizza and gelati and a tour of the sights.

Sue said: "We'll definitely be having a look around Rome, and as it's Valentine's Day on Monday it could be quite romantic."

As far as the match is concerned the group is, of course, predicting a victory for Wales.

Geoff Adams, also from Risca, said: "Wales can do it, but whatever happens we will have a good time."

Gwent Dragons fans Gary and Lynne Watkins, originally from Malpas but now living in Tenby, are also making their first trip to Rome for this weekend's Six Nations clash.

They too are confident of a Welsh win.

Gary said: "I think it will be a close game, but I'm predicting it will be 15 -11 to Wales."

Alun James from Pont-llanfraith, Lewis Rich-ards from Machen, and Harold Gibbon from Bedwas have been travelling to Six Nations matches together for years.

Alun said: "It's going to be a close game, but I think Wales will just about take it."

For Oakdale councillor Allan Pritchard and his wife Pauline, Rome was the perfect destination to combine a sporting jaunt with a Valentine's treat.