RUGBY-MAD Bethan Richardson admitted she had to pinch herself in amazement after taking in Sunday’s captivating World Cup quarter-finals in her living room alongside Wales legend Ryan Jones at an SSE Rugby House Party.

During the 2015 Rugby World Cup pool stages, SSE ran their #SoundsofVictory campaign in conjunction with ITV where fans were encouraged to submit a photo that best captured what the sport means for them.

And, after 33-year-old Richardson headed to the beach while on holiday in her native Wales to show support for her homeland, she was rewarded when Jones, who toured South Africa in 2005 with the British & Irish Lions, arrived at her home in Priors Road.

They shared lasagne, chocolate brownies and beers while Jones filled Richardson and her houseguests in with tales from his playing days.

And Richardson, a Cardiff Blues fan, said the day was an unforgettable experience.

“It was absolutely amazing, not quite your average Sunday in my house,” said Richardson, an account manager for Tag Worldwide based in Swindon.

“It was all a bit surreal. I had quite a few friends round and my family came down from Wales. So there was a houseful of Welsh supporters and Ryan got himself really involved. He watched most of the Ireland v Argentina game sitting on a bean bag with my fiancé Austin.

“We were all a bit nervous on the morning, we didn’t know what to expect. But Ryan was absolutely lovely, he made such a big effort.

“I used to live in Cardiff and when I was back in Wales recently I went with my two-year-old son Dillon to south beach in Tenby. We had a big Welsh flag with us and the sea behind us, it was a great picture that we were able to send in.

“But when I found out we had won I was shocked.”

There were four lucky winners across the UK, with Hugo Southwell, Stephen Ferris and Neil Back joining Jones in visiting a member of the public for an SSE Rugby House Party.

And Jones – who racked up 75 caps for Wales – admitted he enjoyed the day just as much as lucky winner Richardson.

“It was great fun to come around for the rugby, I was made to feel very welcome,” Jones said. “It’s a bit unusual but that’s the great thing about rugby, you are around like minded people and you share that same interest.

“We’ve had some great food, a few beers and just great company. There were 12 of us in the lounge in the end I think, some of us on bean bags, all watching the Ireland v Argentina game.

“Bethan has been just superb. She’s a massive Wales fan from mid Wales who loves her rugby. It’s been great to hear her tales of rugby and also share some of my knowledge with her.”

SSE is proud co-sponsor of ITV’s coverage of Rugby World Cup 2015. Visit ssereward.com to access advance entertainment tickets for The SSE Hydro, The SSE Arena Wembley and The SSE Arena Belfast up to 48 hours before general sale, subject to availability and terms and conditions.