Josh Navidi is Mixing Beats at Chepstow . . . and Backing Wales to Beat Scotland

Navidi is the headline DJ in the Fan Zone at Chepstow’s Six Nations Beer and Cider Raceday on Saturday, a fixture that combines seven races with giant-screen coverage of England v Ireland and Wales v Scotland. 

With two championship clashes shown live, a big turnout of rugby supporters is expected to pack the track.

The 33-cap former Wales forward will be watching events unfold on the screens before stepping up to the decks — and he admits a home win would make his job even easier.

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While the rugby will draw the early roars, the racing provides the backdrop. Seven contests are scheduled at Chepstow, with the Beer and Cider Raceday blending sport on turf with Six Nations drama on screen. 

It is a formula likely to attract fans keen to follow the championship in a lively setting.

Navidi, born in Bridgend to Iranian father Hedy and Welsh mother Euros, knows a little about the racing world — even if he does not claim to be a formidable punter.

“I am not really a racing expert, but my father, Hedy, used to have a bookies’ shop, Brackla Racing.

“He would sometimes look at all the race cards on a Sunday and organise a bet, but that knowledge didn’t reall pass to me. I was useless!

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“But I do like the atmosphere at racing. I have been to Chepstow before and it’s a good buzz.”

Navidi’s old No.7 shirt will be worn by Cardiff flanker Alex Mann against Scotland, and the former Arms Park favourite believes Mann - plus a more disciplined team approach than of late by Wales -  will be as important as inspiration if Wales are to end their barren run.

“I’ve been really impressed by Alex Mann,” says Navidi. 

“He’s the old school, niggly type of back row player that we have lacked, but he’s also a go-to man for a turnover or big tackle.

“He can provide those big moments against Scotland, as can Dewi Lake, whilst Rhys Carre is also a dangerous man with ball in hand from five yards, where I think the Scots will struggle to contain him.

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“So, although there is a lot of doom and gloom around, I think there are reasons for optimism that we can get a win on Saturday that would provide a massive lift for everyone.

“That’s certainly what I’m hoping for. There’s a much better mood when you’re a DJ and people are seeing their team win!

“When I was in the squad, we would always aim to keep the penalty count below 10, because it’s hard to win an international match if you go above that.

“Wales conceded 16 against England and nine against France and they have to keep that improvement going if they are to beat Scotland.

“The Scots are a decent side as they proved against England. Italy are massively improved, too, and that’s been a key trend for me in this tournament - all the teams are improving, so if you’ve not at your best then you’ll lose, as we saw with England at Murrayfield.”

Forced to retire three years ago because of a neck injury, Navidi carved out a formidable career: 184 appearances for Cardiff, 33 for Wales, two Tests for the British & Irish Lions in South Africa and a haul of honours that included a Grand Slam, three Six Nations titles and a European Challenge Cup triumph. 

He was also part of the Wales squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

Now, instead of smashing rucks, he is mixing tracks.

If the horses deliver thrills and Wales supply the result he craves, Chepstow’s dance floor could be just as lively as the finishing straight.