Wales rugby star's 'beautiful' gesture to Italy player after match left ...

Wales' clash with Italy in Cardiff brings back some pretty difficult memories for Welsh fans who were left stunned two years ago by a first shock home defeat to the Azzuri.

But, in the aftermath of that 22-21 loss, Wales wing Josh Adams showed his incredible class by giving away his man-of-the-match medal to the Italian wonderkid at the heart of the last minute drama. It was a sporting gesture that sticks in the memory as Wales face the Italians again in 2024.

The Lions winger had been named Man of the Match by BBC commentator Jonathan Davies having delivered a top quality finish to put the hosts in front 12 minutes from time. That had followed an earlier superb try-saving tackle where he denied opposite number Monty Ioane in the corner.

But, despite Adams’ best efforts, Wales still went down to a shock 22-21 defeat.

That was due to the brilliance of Italian full-back Ange Capuozzo who produced a blistering break in the final play to send winger Edoardo Padovani over for a try.

Fly-half Paolo Garbisi landed the match-winning conversion with the last act of the contest to give the Azzurri their first Six Nations victory in seven years after a 36-game losing run.

It had been mesmerising stuff from the baby-faced Capuozzo who was making his first Test start after scoring two tries on his debut as a replacement against Scotland last week. Sadly, he is injured today and won't play at the Principality Stadium, but Adams does start for Wales on the wing.

His stunning moment didn’t go unrecognised by Adams two years ago. After the final whistle, the Cardiff wing sought out the 22-year-old Grenoble full-back and gave him his Man of the Match medal.

It was a really lovely moment and big of Adams to think of the youngster amid the huge disappointment of defeat. Capuozzo, draped in an Italian flag, was clearly touched by the gesture, with the look on his face speaking volumes as he accepted the medal.

Speaking on the BBC, presenter Gabby Logan said: “We heard Jonathan Davies give Josh Adams Man of the Match, just moments before Capuozzo’s incredible break.

“Look at this beautiful moment where Adams gives it to Capuozzo and he receives that looking very emotional at the presentation to him.

“I am sure Jonathan Davies would endorse that as well, if he could have changed his decision.”

Adams had broken the tackles of two defenders as he cut inside from the wing to reach the line and put Wales in front on 68 minutes., but it was Italy who were to have the last word thanks to the flying Capuozzo.