Category: Rugby

If Welsh rugby sinks any lower, big questions about the tournament’s long-term health may have to be asked

The difference is a mere 0.1 of a ranking point. And rankings, in isolation, do not necessarily foretell the future. Even so the news that Wales have slipped to 12th in World Rugby’s official pecking order, one place below Georgia, was a hugely symbolic moment. After 14 Test defeats in succession, another unwanted record, it was a new low in a season increasingly full of them.

Faith seems to be ebbing away, too. “It can’t carry on like this,” their erstwhile fly-half Dan Biggar said on ITV Sport over the weekend. “That looks like a team shot of belief and confidence.” Sam Warburton, who was leading Wales to Six Nations titles and grand slams not so long ago, was similarly downbeat as he sifted through the ashes of the defeat against Italy in Rome on Saturday. Neither were putting the boot in for the sake of it, they were just saying it as it is.

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Warren Gatland has pledged to continue working hard to try to get his players to put into practice what they’ve been working on in training following Wales’ Guinness Six Nations defeat in Rome. Next up for Wales is their first home assignment of the campaign against Ireland at a sold-out Principality Stadium in two weeks’ time. Then there is a […]

The post Gatland looking for ‘clinical’ edge appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

Tyler Olding’s try three minutes from time settled a cracking Super Rygbi Cymru clash at the Talbot Athletic Ground where Newport edged Aberavon 36-32. Centre Oli Andrew scored twice for Newport in the first half, while Dragons’ wing Ashton Hewitt – on the comeback trail after injury – marked his first Newport appearance since September […]

The post Hewitt returns with a try as Newport triumph at Aberavon appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

Gwalia Lightning went down to league leaders and reigning champions, Wolfhounds 21-15, in Round 7 of the Celtic Challenge at Virgin Media Park, Cork this afternoon. Wales full back Jenny Hesketh and Maisie Davies crossed for the Welsh side’s tries in an intense, physical and abrasive contest in a freezing Cork. Both teams were ferocious […]

The post Lightning push Wolfhounds to the wire appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

Richard Whiffin admits that if he had any hair to pull out he would have been taking handfuls as he watched the final few moments of his Wales U20 side’s dramatic 20-18 win over Italy in Treviso. Having seen Harri Ford kick Wales into a two point lead with a penalty in the 69th minute […]

The post Whiffin frustrated despite claiming last-gasp win against Italy appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

Dafydd Jenkins and Liam Williams have been withdrawn from the starting Wales XV for this afternoon’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome. Jenkins has been ruled due to illness while Williams misses the game due to a knee injury. Gloucester’s Freddie Thomas now starts in the second row, while Scarlerts’ Blair Murray comes […]

The post Team changes for Wales v Italy appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

Brython Thunder recorded a first win of the season with a dramatic 38-32 victory against Edinburgh in Round 7 of the  Celtic Challenge at Parc y Scarlets this afternoon. Wales centre Hannah Bluck’s two tries in the dying moments secured a famous win in a pulsating contest at the home of the Scarlets. Bluck came […]

The post Bluck double breaks Thunder drought appeared first on Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.

• Coach ‘understands frustration’ after 14th loss in row
• Gatland says Wales ‘shot ourselves in the foot’

Warren Gatland said he “understands people’s frustration” after his Wales team slumped to a 14th consecutive defeat and a worst‑ever world ranking of 12th, one place below Georgia, losing 22-15 to Italy in Rome.

Speaking to the Welsh language broadcaster S4C, Gatland empathised with his team’s supporters. “I can understand people’s frustration and we are frustrated and disappointed as well because we created opportunities but we have made mistakes and the penalty count was disappointing,” he said. “As a coaching team and players they are not hard fixes but we need to make sure we focus in those key moments.”

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• Italy 22-15 Wales
• Tomasso Allan kicks 17 points as home side win in Rome

Another week, another Welsh defeat, another 80 minutes in which those in red gave their best as individuals but proved that it is nowhere near good enough for this level. A 14th straight defeat has dropped them to 12th on World Rugby’s ­rankings, one place below Georgia and the lowest position in their history. In Roman rain, Warren Gatland’s Divine Comedy descended another circle.

Perhaps the most damning point of all is that this never felt like a contest. The losing bonus point, procured at the death with a penalty try after two Italians received yellow cards, felt undeserving and failed to gloss over the preceding dross. Even with so much riding on this result, and even with the weather stifling Italy’s attacking threat, Wales simply failed to manufacture a challenge. Forget about a Plan B, Gatland’s team now appear bereft of any plan at all beyond aimless kicks, toothless carries and unjustified hope.

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