Story highlights
Video posted online of Wales players performing semi-naked Haka
Welsh squad set to be greeted by big crowds in Cardiff Friday
Wales reached semifinal of Euro 2016 at debut finals
Last qualified for major tournament in 1958
As Wales’ Euro 2016 footballers prepared to return home to a rapturous public reception in Cardiff Friday, a video of squad members attempting a raucous, semi-naked war dance behind closed doors was going viral on social media.
The cheeky video, posted to Twitter by Wales and Birmingham City midfielder, David Cotterill, features players including Wayne Hennessey, Neil Taylor and Jonny Williams wearing little more than headbands and underpants.
All seem to be acting out a mock version of the Haka, the Maori war dance traditionally performed by the New Zealand rugby team before its matches.
An audience in the room in the room can be heard laughing loudly as the Wales players in shot stamp and posture.
The South Wales Evening Post newspaper reports that the dance is part of a punishment handed down by the squad’s “kangaroo court.”
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Throughout the tournament players have been forced to act out forfeits for indiscretions such as being late for team meetings – a concept regularly employed by rugby teams such as the British Lions when on tour.
Wales exited Euro 2016 Wednesday after a 2-0 semifinal defeat by Portugal.
But Chris Coleman’s side will be welcomed home as heroes having exceeded expectations in its first tournament appearance since the World Cup in 1958, including a stunning 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals in Lille last weekend.
Welsh players caused a stir earlier in the tournament when video footage was posted on social media of the squad celebrating Iceland’s surprise victory over England.
Euro 2016 semifinal: Portugal vs. Wales
The vast majority of Wales’ squad earn their living playing in England’s Premier League, Championship and League One divisions.
Tens of thousands of fans are expected line the streets of Cardiff as they parade through the Welsh capital on open-top bus.